Karen Annette Mitchell

KAREN ANNETTE MITCHELL was born on August 7, 1961, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Elizabeth Mitchell (Patmon) and Horace Mitchell. She was the third child born of six. Karen was raised with strong values of discipline, service, and compassion that would guide her throughout her life. She peacefully transitioned on April 2, 2026, at her home following a private and courageous battle with cancer.

Karen graduated from Princeton High School in Cincinnati and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University.

Karen proudly served her country in the United States Army, retiring with the distinguished rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), E-7, after 20 years of honorable service from October 30, 1979 to October 31, 1999. During her military career, she earned numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal, among many others. Her excellence and leadership left a lasting impact on all who served alongside her.

Following her military retirement, Karen continued her dedication to service as a Government Service Employee for 12 years, including five

years as a Logistics Specialist at Rock Island. Her commitment to excellence earned her several prestigious civilian honors, including the Superior Civilian Service Award, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Secretary Civilian Service Achievement Medal and Non-Article 5 NATO Award.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen lived life to the fullest. She had a passion for sports and served as referee for basketball, soft-ball and football. She loved traveling and explored over 30 countries, embracing cultures and experiences around the world. While stationed in Germany, she sent for her mother to come visit. They enjoyed a whole week experiencing the country together. Karen also enjoyed spending time with friends, volunteering and giving back to her community. Karen always made it a habit of coming home to Cincinnati to participate in the Patmon family reunions. When time permitted, she would celebrate the Christmas holidays with them as well. Karen always made time for her family.

Karen was deeply involved in community service and was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She supported numerous charitable causes, including food banks, homeless outreach programs, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC), and the Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA), often participating in donations and fundraising efforts.

She was preceded in death by her father, Horace ee Mitchell.

She leaves behind to Cherish and Celebrate her life: her loving son, Kailan Futrell-Mitchell; her loving mother, Elizabeth Mitchell; her loving siblings, Gary L. Mitchell of Hope Hills, North Carolina, Alan Mitchell (Sonya), Darryl Mitchell (Jenny), Tia and Tara Mitchell, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; Friends for Life, Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Love of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of family and friends.

Karen lived by the word she often shared: “Everything you desire in your life is right on the other side of self-discipline” and “Take care of what you can take care of. Let God handle the rest.”

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