Mark Mitchell

Mark Stephen Mitchell, age 56, was born to Jerry and Marva Mitchell on April 20, 1967 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The youngest of two children, Mark unexpectedly transitioned at his home on March 26, 2024.

Forever a student of learning & education, Mark was enrolled within the Princeton City School District, further continuing his education at Eastern Kentucky University where he attended on a football scholarship.  In 1988, Mark followed in his father’s footsteps and was a Founding Member of the Rho Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. DJ MarkieD also led legendary campus parties. Mark graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1990. He later received Master Degrees from both Mount St Joseph University and Marygrove College.

Also, while at Eastern Kentucky he found his best friend and life partner Cheryl Palmer.  Mark and Cheryl wed in 1991 and born to their union of nearly 32 years were two sets of twins - boys Cameron and Kevin and girls Chelsea and Kelsey. Mark and Cheryl did not go anywhere that their “Rough and Ready” crew could not. Because of this, Cameron, Kevin, Chelsea, and Kelsey grew up surrounded by the large village that Mark and Cheryl built.

Mark was first a loving husband, father, and family man. He adored his mother Marva and would walk through fire for her. Mark was a pit master who loved preparing meals on holidays and Sunday dinners. In his spare time, DJ Coach Mitch appeared on Facebook live and at Cincinnati Bengal or Eastern Kentucky University tailgate parties.

Mark was a gifted athlete, coach, and teacher who tirelessly served his students and players. He often picked up and fed students on his way to Taft High School. Mark built the basketball program at Taft through persistence, practice, and tough love. He even sold snacks out of his office to ensure that players had the necessary equipment and gear. In 2011, Mark led the Taft Senators to their first state basketball title in school history. In 2013, Mark became a Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach at The Ohio State University. Mark remained at Ohio State until 2018. He returned to coach in the Cincinnati Public Schools before becoming the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Wilberforce University. Mark dedicated himself into building a strong men’s basketball team at Wilberforce.

Mark poured into the lives of so many. But, Mark’s greatest legacy was that he was a Builder of Men. He devoted himself to the young people whom he coached, taught, and mentored.  Mark built players and academic scholars at Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School, The Ohio State University, and Wilberforce University. These young people became part of Mark’s family. Mark was tough. But Mark also showed and told his players that he loved them.

He will forever be cherished by his mother Marva Mitchell, his loving wife of 31 years, Cheryl Mitchell; children Cameron (Norma), Kevin (Tynesha), Chelsea and Kelsey Mitchell; grandchildren Carter, Cai, Coah, Kali, and Kobi Mitchell; sister Stephanie Mitchell Hughes of Columbus, Ohio; nephew Solomon (Hailey) Hughes of Chicago, Illinois and niece Camryn Elizabeth Hughes of Columbus, Ohio; brothers-in-law Leon Watkins and Charles Watkins both of Memphis, TN; sister-in-law Frances (Cecil) Boyland of Memphis TN. Cousins Valeria Lynne Fowlks and Kayla Fowlks both of Atlanta, Georgia; and lifelong best friend Harlon Barnett.  One Goddaughter Rashae White. Mark is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will continue his legacy. Mark was preceded in death by his father Jerry Mitchell, father-in-law Eddie Louis Palmer, mother-in-law Odessa (Arthur) Palmer-Polk, sister-in-law Carolyn (Freddie) Reaves, and brother-in-law Mickie Watkins.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3

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