Mitchell Family Fundraiser for Yavette (YaYa)

Yavette Mitchell’s family needs your help during this difficult time.

Over a year and a half ago Yavette Mitchell, heard those words that no one wants to hear. She was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma in her lung. The news of having cancer was bad enough but just a year prior Yavette had decided, to take a leap of faith leaving a job with insurance for a position where it was not offered just so she could serve the community, especially children because that was her passion. She served as an administrative assistant at Good Shepherd Community Center, her title does not reflect the work she did. Yavette was the face of the community center the first person everyone saw. Her infectious smile was a big as her personality. She never met a stranger!! Always offering help or a hug anytime. The children affectionately called her, “Ya Ya” often running to her first thing in the mornings to get her motherly hug and the last person they saw and loved on before going home. The cancer barely slowed her down. She continued to work even though she had to visit Doctors for treatments, sometimes up to 5 times weekly. She continued having tremendous faith even after treatments and hair loss. This gorgeous woman even managed pull off the “ bald head” look oh so well!! She was truly a remarkable woman and if you ever had the opportunity to meet her then you know just how amazing she was!!

Unfortunately, no one plans on becoming terminally ill. Mark her husband who is on disability and is limited to the work he can do, but you would never know that as he worked hard to support his wife, keep up with the growing utilities, mortgage, as well as out of pocket medical bills. .Yavette’ s cancer seemed to be responding to the treatment, the cancer was not growing, but it was not gone. January 2022, she went for a scan in hopes of being near remission, only to find out that it was abnormal. They began treatment again and more aggressively , by the end of April she did not have an appetite and just wasn’t herself. Mark acted fast and she was admitted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). They performed another scan that proved the cancer had metastasized to her brain. Unfortunately, she passed away May 9th, 2022 at the age of 57. Yavette’s legacy was to to “Pay It Forward”, therefore she chose to donate her body to Science for medical research, education and training purposes.

Survived by her husband Mark Mitchell. She has four children (two biological and two step children, however she would have never introduced them any other way than as her children). She was often introduced by her step children as a bonus Mom. She was blessed with four grandchildren.

Mark as her husband, the primary care giver for his wife for the past year and a half is now left in a financial hardship with surmountable medical bills, routine monthly expenses (mortgage, utilities, etc.),and many unexpected costs. Due to no medical insurance or a life insurance policy in place, Mark and his family are at great loss and is in need for our help as a community , family and friends. If you can help in any way financially it will be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are being made and will be announced for a Memorial Service at this time.