Mitchell, Florence TROY Mother Florence Mitchell was called to her heavenly home from the Van Rensselaer Manor on Monday, July 6, 2009. She was born on November 3, 1909 and was 99 years old. Mother Mitchell was the eldest of nine children born to Bertha Wilson-Dickerson and Willie Dickerson in Danville, Va. Mother Mitchell met and married Willie Mitchell and from this union one son, John L. Mitchell was born. John was the first grandchild in the Dickerson family. After raising her son, Mother Mitchell adopted and raised another son, Izel J. "Michael" Dickerson Sr. Mother Mitchell began serving her country as a dedicated volunteer during World War II. She constantly volunteered at the Samuel Stratton Veterans Hospital, Rensselaer County Troy Senior Center, Cpl. Wm. A. Dickerson Post 8758 in Troy and the Major L. Spencer VFW Post 119 in Albany until her health prevented her action. She also enjoyed bowling with the Troy Topperettes until the age of 90. Although health prevented her bowling, she would still sit and enjoy the company of the other bowlers on Saturday evenings. Mother Mitchell was employed by several families and Catholic churches in the Troy and Albany area. Under the pastorate of Rev. Brewington S. Stinney, she joined the Bethel Baptist Church and faithfully served in various ministries. Later in life, she also attended the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Mother Mitchell was predeceased by her husband but leaves many to cherish her memory, two sons, John L. (Patricia) Mitchell of San Diego, Calif. and Izel J. "Michael" Dickerson Sr. of Glens Falls, N.Y.; six grandchildren, (one deceased, Guy Mitchell), Tanaya Sirmons, John Mitchell Jr., Scott Mitchell, Joey Dickerson Jr., Gina Dickerson and Melissa Dickerson; 10 great-grand-children; two great-great-grand-children; one sister, Alice Jackson; four nieces, Carol Praylor, Patricia Brown, JoAnn Owens and Regina Duncan (also Goddaughter); one senior cousin, Tessie Bennett; a host of other relatives and friends and the Bethel and Mt. Calvary Church families. Homegoing services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the Bethel Baptist Church 2165-5th Ave., Troy, N.Y., with Rev. Eric S. Shaw, pastor. Viewing hours are from 9-11 a.m. The service will begin following the viewing. Family will arrive at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held following the service in the Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy.