Loretta Ann (Ward) Mitchell

“You should have seen it in color.” There’s no more fitting tribute to describe the vibrant, loving, and unforgettable life of Loretta Ann Ward Mitchell. Born in Eldorado, Oklahoma, to Gaines Joseph Ward and Lorena Mae (Bryant) Ward. Loretta brought warmth, wit, and generosity into every room she entered.

On April 3, 1953, she married her knight in shining armor, Melvin Mitchell. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and hard work, raising two sons, Devon and Darin. Loretta worked at Texas Instruments before joining Melvin at Mitchell Nursery, where they spent nearly 40 years growing both plants and community. After selling the nursery, they made their home in Bridgeport.

Loretta had a heart as big as Texas. With meager means, she could still feed an army— “Cox’s Army,” to be exact. She single-handedly tried to solve world hunger, one guest at a time. Her quick wit, honest words, and unconditional love made her unforgettable.

Though her beloved Melvin preceded her in death in 2022, we know they’re dancing together again in heaven.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Alton, and sisters, Twana Ward and Treva Daughtery. Those left behind to cherish her memory are two sons, Devon and wife (Shirley) Mitchell, Darin and wife (Melinda) Mitchell, Grandchildren, Kelly Mitchell Gardner, husband (Jerrod), Jeff Mitchell and wife (Michelle), Keeton Mitchell, Jordyn (Mitchell) Adams and husband, (Joshua), Haley Mitchell, and 7 Great Grandchildren. Sister, Retha Collins with husband (Don), and brother Chris Ward, as well as many extended family members and friends.