Oazie Jones Mitchell was among the two dozen or so seniors I interviewed last year about their memories of Wilson County’s Rosenwald schools. Her precise recollections of Williamson Graded and High Schools, the rigors of tenant farming, Mary Grove Missionary Baptist church, her father’s involvement with the NAACP, home remedies, and other aspects of her childhood helped me better understand the community in the part of Wilson County with which I’m least personally familiar.

I learned just today that Mrs. Mitchell passed away on the closing day of last year. My sincere condolences to her family, especially daughter Tondra Mitchell-Talley and sister Edith Jones Garnett. I will not forget Mrs. Mitchell’s warmth and generosity, and I wish you comfort in memories of happy times with her.