Charles Ernest Mitchell, 81, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Obici Hospital. Charles was born in Franklin, a son of the late Arthur T. Mitchell Sr. and Eunice Vaughn Mitchell. Charles was predeceased by four sisters, Dorothy M. Ward, Virginia M. Jones, Ruth M. Harrison, Marian Outlaw; and three brothers, Arthur T. Mitchell Jr., Randolph G. Mitchell Sr. and Vaughan J. Mitchell.

He had retired as a forklift driver for Planters Peanuts and Chocolate after 40 years of service.

He was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church and served on the Chapel Choir for many years. Charles graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1941.

He is survived by his wife, Edith Wills Mitchell; son, Bernard L. Mitchell (Teresa); daughter, Jacqueline M. Copeland (Alvin); six grandchildren, Buryl Flythe Jr. (Luana), Jamila Flythe-Taylor (Richard), Alvin Xavier Copeland, Evan E. Copeland, Ian E. Copeland and Charles Anthony Mitchell; three great-grandchildren, Jada Taylor, Janii Taylor and Jalea Taylor; and a special nephew, Charles C. Bridges (Sarah).

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, in Metropolitan Baptist Church. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Mausoleum on Shoulders Hill Road.

Viewing takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, in T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.

The family will receive visitors at 2353 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, at all other times.

T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home is in charge.