With the death of Flonnie Mitchell, Coronado lost an amazingly warm and gentle soul whose memory will long remain with those who knew and loved her.Flonnie passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home in her own bed, on Nov. 19, 2005. She was surrounded by so many birthday cards, balloons and flowers that her bedroom resembled Ye Olde Flower Shop. She died four days after her 79th birthday, which she celebrated with her beloved and fun-loving husband of 48 years, Ralph J. Mitchell Jr., and many of her children and grandchildren by her side.She epitomized "Southern hospitality." Her smile, her adorable Southern accent and her incredible sense of fun all made Flonnie someone so special to be friends with. She leaves an entire network of friends and family who have been indelibly changed by her poise, her pride, her warmth and her generosity.She raised her children by convincing them they were different, special, and from a family with a great history. She filled them with self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Flonnie taught them manners and dignity, and she made sure each and everyone of them knew how much they were loved. She was proud of the results of her and Ralph's child-rearing efforts.Flonnie was born Florence Tarver Lewis on Nov. 15, 1926, in Greenville, S.C. She was blessed the moment she was born with an identical twin sister, Mary Birnie Lewis. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood, growing up in a happy family of twin girls and a little brother, whom she also adored, Thomas Lorton Lewis. After spending her first 33 years in Greenville, she met and married Ralph Mitchell, and shortly thereafter they moved to Mexico City. After a wonderful five years in Mexico City, the family came to Coronado.Flonnie was the consummate hostess and a fabulous cook, who enjoyed being in the kitchen. Family and friends alike always felt welcome at 230 J Ave. Her sense of humor and her joie de vivre will be missed by all. Even during her battle with cancer, she still had an amazingly joyous, grateful, and positive attitude.She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Ralph J. Mitchell Jr. of Coronado; children, Ralph J. Mitchell III of Clermont, Ga., Kent D. Mitchell of Atlanta, Scot S. Cunningham of Tustin, Calif., Ann M. Stevenson of Louisville, Ky., and Lorton L. Mitchell and Belle T. Mitchell Wood of Coronado. She also was blessed with 12 grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters. She will be missed most by her big happy family ... whom she loved most of all.A memorial service will be held graveside at Christ Church, located at 10 N. Church St. in Greenville, on Dec. 10, 2005, at 11 a.m. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.