Rev. Homer Lee Mitchell, 90, passed on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in Columbus, GA.

Public viewing is 10:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Taylor Funeral Home.

There will also be a wake at Antioch Baptist Church located at 2500 14th Avenue, Columbus, GA on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church located at 1000 Dillingham St, Phenix City, AL with Dr. Raymond Cochran, pastor and Rev. Dr. Viola Mitchell-Clay, eulogist. Burial to follow in Sunset Cemetery.

The funeral service will be live-streamed via the Franchise Missionary Baptist Church Facebook and YouTube page.

Rev. Dr. Homer Lee Mitchell, Sr. was born on December 19, 1934 as seventh of 14 children to the late Jessie and Bertha (Williams) Mitchell in Pittsview, AL. He transitioned from this earthly life to an eternal heavenly home on January 25, 2025.

Rev. Mitchell graduated from Pittsview High School in Pittsview, AL. His postsecondary education included attendance at Albany State University in Albany, GA and American Baptist Theological Seminary in Columbus, GA. In December 2024, at the age of 90, he was awarded a Doctorate Degree of Biblical Studies from New Life Bible College and Seminary of Hillsville, VA.

At an early age Rev. Mitchell worked as an apprentice carpenter to his father Jessie. His strong work ethic and carpentry skills followed him throughout his life. Together they built their "home house" on the "Jessie and Bertha B." homestead in Pittsview and his "home house" on the "Homer and Lucille" homestead in Phenix City. They also built houses for his brothers Solomon "Butt-T" Mitchell, Sr. and Albert Lee Mitchell.

Rev. Mitchell worked as a Civil Service Employee at Fort (Benning) Moore, GA for several years. He answered the call to minister in 1972 and preached his trial sermon at his home church, Antioch Baptist Church in Pittsview, AL. In 1973, he was called to pastor three churches; Liberty Hill Baptist Church (Phenix City, AL); Antioch Baptist Church (Columbus, GA), and Rising Star Baptist Church (Marvyn, AL). Liberty Hill met for service on the first and third Sundays of each month while Antioch met for service on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Rising Star met on the first and third Sundays and agreed to start worship services later to accommodate for travel time. Rev. Mitchell was called to serve as the full time pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in 1983. In 2008, Rev. Mitchell co-founded the Lion of Judah Bible Baptist Church in Pittsview, AL on the original Mitchell's Homestead in Pittsview, AL. Rev. Mitchell served as pastor of Liberty Hill Baptist Church for ten years; Rising Star Baptist Church for 28 years; and Antioch Baptist Church for 43 years. He retired as Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church on June 30, 2016 after the death of his wife of 57 years, First Lady Lucille Davis Mitchell due to his declining health. Rev. Mitchell joined Antioch Baptist Church in Columbus, GA on February 4, 2018. His wife said "Antioch Baptist Church is his favorite place in the world."

Rev. Mitchell was a Preacher's Preacher. He could sing, preach and teach the gospel. He ordained and trained countless ministers and welcomed them to preach at Antioch on numerous occasions. His favorite song was "There is a Crown of Life Waiting for Me". His ministry led countless souls to accept Jesus Christ and join the church. During his ministry he built and dedicated new church edifices for Liberty Hill Baptist Church (1975) and Antioch Baptist Church (1980). He also built and dedicated a major addition to Rising Star Baptist Church. Reverend Mitchell encouraged his family to serve in the church ministries. His wife, the late First Lady Lucille Davis Mitchell played the piano and they sang together. Alton and Shelby Keith were "encouraged" to play the piano for Sunday School and the choirs while Danny was "encouraged" to sing. Frequently, the choirs from Liberty Hill, Antioch and Rising Star would worship together and sing as combined choirs. He and his brother the late Rev. R. T. Mitchell, Pastor Emeritus of New Revelation Baptist Church in Gary, IN would travel and trade congregations during revivals and other special occasions. Those were special treats for everyone in attendance.

Rev. Mitchell served and held leadership roles for the National Baptist Convention USA, Phenix City East Alabama Ministerial Alliance, Fourth District General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia.

He will be remembered for his generosity and selfless service to the community. He would sponsor youth trips to Six Flags over Georgia, Callaway Gardens and fishing trips for the children in the community. If a child in the community did not have the resources he would often sponsor them with his personal funds. He even bought an old school bus and drove it for those special trips.

Rev. Mitchell was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years First Lady Lucille (Davis) Mitchell; his parents Jessie and Bertha; six brothers: Jessie James (Katie Bell) Mitchell; Solomon "Butt-T" (Bessie) Mitchell; Albert Lee Mitchell; Tenent Lee Mitchell; Rev. Robert Tuck "RT" (Irene) Mitchell; Rev. MacArthur "Mac" Mitchell and two sisters: Lucille "Doll" (George) Tarver; Alberta "Sweetheart" (Rev. Louis, Sr) Williams and one granddaughter Whitney Charleston.

Memories of Rev. Mitchell will be forever cherished by his four sons: Howard (Molly) of Pittsview, AL, Homer "Danny" (Renarda) Jr. of Phenix City, AL; Alton (Chandra) of Birmingham, AL; and Shelby Keith (Dr. Lori Breaux-Mitchell) of Brentwood, TN; two brothers: Bragg "Bud" (the late Magnolia) of Gary, IN and Howard of Pittsview, AL and three sisters: Annie Mae "Sister" (C.L.) Wright of Merrillville, IN; Irma "Rose" Mitchell Works of Columbus, GA and Mamie (the late J. C.) Cowan of Statesville, NC: one sister-in-law Katie Lee (Albert) Mitchell of Detroit, MI: eight grandchildren; Jasmyne Scott of Phenix City, AL; Bre'Anca Mitchell, Dr. William A. Breaux M.D. both of Atlanta, GA; SSG Indanika Mitchell (U.S. Army) of Columbus, GA; Alton JaCobi "AJ" Mitchell, of Birmingham, AL; Kendall A. Mitchell, Christian L. Mitchell and Evan K. Mitchell, all three of Brentwood, TN; five great-grandchildren: Jayden Wright; Brooklyn Largin; Denver Thomas; Ivy Mitchell; Asa Pugh and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.