Ms. Bessie Mitchell of Scottsburg, VA died on October 1st at the age of 80.

Ms. Mitchell was born in Halifax County, VA on September 24, 1941 to the late Fred Barksdale and Naomi Womack Barksdale Venable. She was an educator with Halifax County Public Schools and was a member of Spanish Grove Baptist Church.

Ms. Mitchell is survived by (1) sister: Palema Bartelle of Washington, DC; (1) brother: Conway Michael Blanks (Donna) of Glen Allen, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her foster parents: Mr. and Mrs. Conway Blanks and (1) brother: Sylvester Barksdale.

Funeral services for Ms. Bessie Mitchell will be Monday, October 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home with Rev. Eyvonne Craddock, eulogist. Burial will follow in Spanish Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing for family and friends will be Sunday from noon until 6: 00 p.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home. Following COVID-19 guidelines, a face mask and social distancing will be required. A limit of 50 people will be allowed at the service.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Jeffress Funeral Home, 2000 North Main Street, South Boston, VA.