Obituary of Ora Lee Mitchum

ROCHESTER, NY – July 24, 2025

Mrs. Mitchum was born April 11, 1943 in Kingstree, South Carolina. She is the daughter of the late Emory Brown and the late Bessie (Shaw) Brown.

She attended St. Mark High School in Kingstree, SC where she met her husband Edward Mitchum. Ora moved to Spring Valley, New York to live with her sister, Annie Boyd while Edward prepared the move to Rochester, New York. To this union three children were born, Felicia, Terry and Vernon.

Ora loved flowers and gardening, but her true passion was cooking. She was an amazing cook and never missed a beat making her famous collard greens for Sunday dinner. Ora was also a sharp dresser and always liked to be put together.

She was a dedicated member at Northside Church of Christ for approximately 50 years. She was involved in many groups and clubs and used to cook on the church committee for events.

Ora worked at GRS in Rochester, NY for over 40 years. Her job moved to Henrietta, NY and the company’s name changed to Alstom Signaling. She enjoyed going to work where she had many friends, until she retired in 2014.

She loved her eight grandchildren dearly and enjoyed spending time and making memories with them. Ora had a unique bond with her first granddaughter Kindra, who would often pamper her. Family was extremely important to her, and would do anything for them, especially for her great-grandchildren.

Ora received her wings on July 24, 2025. She is predeceased by her husband, Edward, two sons, Terry and Vernon, one great-grandchild, LoveLee.

She leaves to cherish her memories; her only daughter, Felicia (Larry McDaniels) Mitchum; her eight grandchildren, Kindra McDaniels, Tremaine (Jacqueline ) Mitchum, Tiffany (Demondre) Hudson, Kenrell Mitchum, Cheniqua Mitchum, Tanysha Francis, Tyriekk Mitchum and Tyrese Mitchum; thirteen great-grandchildren, Ki’Lanna, Na’Riya, De’Anna, Prince, Skylar, Autumn, Amorelee, Kristopher, Julius, Ethan, La’Niyah, Leonni, and Preston Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Linda Mitchum. Ora Lee also leaves behind; her sisters, Goldie McElveen of Charleston, SC and Gussie Mouzon of Kingstree, SC; two sisters-in-law, Betty Glass and Georgia (James) Cuyler of Rochester, NY; a host of nieces and nephews who she loved dearly, including a special niece, Loretta Pressly, who regularly took her shopping and out to eat. Ora Lee is also survived by; her special friend, William T. Austin, who she spent most of her time with; three best friends, Sherri Dukes, who she worked with, Ola Keels and Elizabeth Bridges (predeceased).

She was a sweetheart, loved by many. Her love and concern for people was over and beyond, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Calling hours will be Friday, August 1 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Northside Church of Christ, 634 Hudson Ave, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, NY.