Elder Elma Cora Hughes Mitchell was born on February 27, 1941, in Marion, Alabama, the youngest of nine children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Morris Hughes. Her zeal for life and pursuit of excellence became apparent during her high school years. Elma graduated with honors from Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama.

After high school, she married the late Walter L. Mitchell Sr., and from this union, one child was born: a son, Walter Ludie Mitchell Jr.

Elma, also known as "Nin-Nin" by her family, was a role model for every mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love was unconditional and evident in her actions. Whatever was needed—a prayer, a hug, a hot meal, a few dollars, a smiling face when life seemed dark, a kind word, or a forgiving spirit—she was always there. She was a friend who never wavered, an eternal optimist, a godsend, and the center of joy for her family and community.

After her husband's passing, Elma moved to Lincoln Heights, Ohio, in the early 1960s. Upon her arrival, she laid the foundation for what became a lifetime legacy of community involvement, care, outstanding citizenship, faith, and love for her neighbors and fellow humans. Alongside her sister, the late Bernice Causby, she helped form the Chester Road Neighborhood Community Club. This organization played a crucial role in uniting the community and providing a platform for residents of Lincoln Heights to discuss the social issues that affected them.

Elder Elma's love for God and her desire to serve Him led her to join the Church of God of All Nations under the leadership of Bishop W.A. Tumblin in Lincoln Heights, which later became the True Holiness Church of God. She served faithfully as an ordained minister, trustee, and active choir member. Over the decades, she contributed to numerous church ministries, including the Usher Board, Sunday School, Executive Board, and as Directress of the Sunshines. She also held positions such as Church Clerk, Secretary, President of the Tolbernets, and Custodian.

But of all these labors of love, her greatest joy was the Sunshines. She poured her energy into mentoring youth, channeling their talents into positive activities and service to God and the community. Her impact on their lives is still evident today. Her caring spirit, evangelism, radiant smile, and nurturing heart were contagious, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Elder Elma also served as President of the Charles Fold Singers' Fan Club and was a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Her love for God, her family, and her community touched and blessed everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Elma worked for 30 years at the Princeton Board of Education in the Transportation Department. She proudly served as a school bus driver, an often-overlooked but essential role in the development of young lives. Every day, parents entrusted their children to her care, and she treated each one as if they were her own. She especially dedicated herself to transporting children with physical and developmental challenges, a responsibility she embraced with love, compassion, and faith. To her, they were simply children who deserved to be nurtured and cherished.

Throughout her years at Princeton, she watched many boys and girls grow into men and women—most of whom remembered her as a positive influence in their lives. Her kind smile and loving nature endeared her to students, parents, colleagues, and teachers alike.

Elder Mitchell carried the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere she went—in her work, in her home, in her family, and in her beloved church. Her lifetime of service, good deeds, and willingness to go the "extra mile" reflected her anointed ministry.

Words cannot fully express the gratitude, love, and admiration felt by all whose lives were touched by Elder Elma Cora Mitchell—beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend, and Neighbor.

Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Mary Hughes; her siblings Earl, Bernice, Pauline, Virginia, Morris Jr., Willie, John, and Blanche Mae Hughes.

She leaves her memory to be cherished by her son, Walter Ludie Mitchell Jr.; her grandchildren, Anecia, Jasmine, and Walter Ludie Mitchell III; her great-grandchildren, Day'Anna, Jamiah, Janeice, Jhinajah, Jhishir, Kamryn, Walter IV, and Josiah Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Word Of Deliverance Ministries for the World, 693 Fresno Road, Cincinnati  (45240).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246.

To share a memory of   Elma  or leave a special message for the  Mitchell family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Mitchell family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.