Steven Maxwell Mitchell, born in Grandview, Mo., on April 26, 1965, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at 8:39 p.m. As a direct answer to prayer, as well as Steve’s desire, his wife, Renee, was holding his left hand, and his best friend, Michael McDade, was holding his right hand. Steve was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, and a beacon of light and hope throughout his miraculous four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought courageously, giving all glory to Jesus Christ throughout his journey.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Master Sgt. Roy Melvin Mitchell II, and his sister Caroline Francine Schumacher. Steve is survived by his wife of 15 years, Renee Perry Mitchell, and his daughters Twyla Vaughan, Zoey Rae and Kyra Jean. He is also survived by his mother, Jacqueline Odette Smith; siblings, Angela Marie-Therese Gates (husband Bob), Thomas P.M.C. Mitchell (wife Jeannette), sister-in-law, Elaine Denson (husband Kevin), and many loved nieces and nephews, including Caley Gonyea (husband Rob), Naomi Schumacher, Ryan Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell, Noah Mitchell, Joshua Mitchell, Luke and David Denson and Amelia Gonyea. Steve’s in-laws are Stan and Mary Perry, of Suffolk.

A memorial service will be held at HUB 757, home of Believers Church, 6801 Bridgeway Drive, Suffolk, at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. The family will receive friends at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Twyla and Zoey request that everyone wear something purple, Steve’s favorite color, to honor their dad. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a small donation to a college fund established for Twyla and Zoey Mitchell. Donations can be sent to The Twyla and Zoey Mitchell College Fund, 6713 Burbage Lake Circle, Suffolk, VA 23435. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.