Gordon State College Celebrates 100th Birthday of Evelyn Mitchell

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Evelyn Mitchell, a former professor of English at Gordon College, is celebrating her 100th birthday today and the Highlander Nation extends its sincerest congratulations to Ms. Mitchell on this distinguished honor.

“On behalf of the Gordon family and its administration, faculty, staff and students, we want to extend our sincere birthday wishes to Ms. Mitchell as she reaches a milestone in her storied life,” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, Gordon State College president. “Ms. Mitchell served Gordon for many years on our faculty and she was a wonderful educator to so many students throughout her career. We wish Ms. Mitchell the very best on this very special day.”

Clarice Evelyn Mitchell was born in East Thomaston, Ga., on June 30, 1921 and she was the youngest of six daughters of George W. and Myrtle Mitchell. Her father was a teacher and ordained minister.

Ms. Mitchell attended public schools in Thomaston and was salutatorian of R.E. Lee High School class of 1938. Ms. Mitchell continued her education at Tift College (Ga.) and was a top graduate of the college in 1942. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Georgia and as well as her sixth-year teaching certificate.

Ms. Mitchell also spent a summer studying in Dijon, France.

Ms. Mitchell taught for 43 years primarily at the high school level, but also taught English at Gordon College. Upon retirement, she spent two years as a volunteer teaching English in Japan.

Travel has always been a favorite activity for Ms. Mitchell, including trips to see 48 of the 50 states as well as visits to Canada and most of the major countries in Europe.

Ms. Mitchell has been an active member of First Baptist Church in Thomaston, where she has taught Sunday school and led a woman’s mission group.

Longevity runs in Ms. Mitchell’s family. Her father and one sister reached age 100 while another sister lived several months past her 99th birthday. Ms. Mitchell attributes her long life to the fact that she has simply kept breathing every day.