Obituary of Ella Mae Mitchum

Born June 3, 1938 in Cades, South Carolina to Roxie and Jeff Epps, Ella Mae Epps was clothed in her heavenly garment on February 11, 2021 after a resilient battle with pneumonia at the age of 82.

Educated in the Williamsburg County Public School system, Ella earned her high school diploma. Her career began as a homemaker, afterwards gaining positions with Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Instruments, finally retiring from Rochester Products after thirty-one years of service.

Romanced by James (Joe) Edward Mitchum, Ella waited for her intended in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until he secured employment and residence for them in Rochester, New York where they married in February 1958. From this union four children were born; Gwenevere Mitchum, Valerie Mitchum, James Edward Mitchum, Jr. and Wanda Mitchum Blount. Ella married her second husband, James Jefferson in 1987.

Ella was a cheerful and outgoing spirit. Drawn by the mission and kindness under the leadership of Pastor Murphy Greer, she joined Aenon Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member under Reverend Dr. Jonathan J.H. McReynolds. Ella’s service extended to the Usher Board and Hospitality departments. She was also an active member of the Sophisticated Ladies Red Hats Society, The seniors group at Montgomery Center and the Great Lakes Usher Board. Traveling extensively with her “sisterhood,” Ella enjoyed witnessing the inauguration of President Barack Obama, along with a variety of excursions, cruises, and sand-colored beaches.

Preceded in death by, her mother Roxie, father Jeff, ex-husband James (Joe) and ex-husband James. Ella leaves to cherish three daughters: Gwenevere Mitchum, Valerie Mitchum (Robert divorced) and Wanda Mitchum Blount (Lawrence); son James Edward Mitchum, Jr. (Stephanie); five grandsons: Damon G. Mitchum (Jessica), Robert Williams, Jr., Jamel S. Mitchum (Jenny), Jarvis T. Mitchum (Brittani) and Nigel E. Williams; granddaughter Kiandra D. Mitchum and a host of in-laws, relatives and friends.