Thelma Faye Benton Mitchell was born on April 8, 1939 in the Germany Community to Robert Benton and Gussie Shampine Benton. She was the seventh of eight children.

She was raised in the Germany Community and attended school there until she moved to Kennard and attended school there.

Thelma Faye married Willie Z. Mitchell, Sr. On August 13, 1955.  They were married for 61 years.

Faye accepted Christ at an early age and united with New Hope Baptist Church.  She served in the ministry for many years including the cafeteria, choir president and Angel choir director, the benevolence committee and Mission Society.  She was also a deacon's wife.  She also enjoyed judging the house decorating contest during the Annual Kennard Day celebration.

She worked for the Kennard ISD as a Bus Driver for 35 years.  She loved helping people.  If she thought you were in need, she would do her best to help. Faye had lots of "Adopted Family Members" that called her mother, Mamaw, and Aunt Faye.  She liked to cook and feed her family and friends.  She was famous in the community for her peach cobbler.

Thelma left this earth on the Wings of Angels, August 30, 2016 in Crockett, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gussie Benton; son, Kandrick Mitchell; three sisters, Mamie Benton, Exie Mae Parks and Erma Turner; three brothers, John Benton, Willie Benton and Willike Benton.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Husband, Willie Z. Mitchell, Sr, Kennard, TX; sons, Rickie Mitchell (Pauline), Rosenberg, TX, Todd Mitchell (Clora), Kennard, TX, David Mitchell, Humble, TX and Willie Z. Mitchell, Jr., Kennard, TX; daughters, Tamara Purvis (William), Rosenberg, TX, Sonia Adair (Crest), Camela Barlow, both of Kennard, TX, Lacoxie Joseph (Jimmie), Sugarland, TX; sister, Marie Smith, Kennard, TX; a special niece that she helped raise, Janie Washington; 24 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; God-daughter, Ethel Dolphus. A host of special nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends.