Obituary of Hilda Marie Combs Mitchell

Hilda Marie Combs Mitchell peacefully passed away August 31, 2019 in Fort McDowell, AZ in the presence and comfort of her two daughters and son-in-law.  Hilda was born August 19, 1931 to the late Miles Tillet and Roxie Bramlett Combs. She grew up in Troutman, North Carolina on a farm and enjoyed helping her parents take care of her farm pets including Speckle the hen, Old Red the cow, and Zeke the wonder dog.

She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1952 where she met her future husband, Joseph.  They were married May 25, 1952 and went on to have 2 daughters and 62 beautiful years of marriage.

Hilda was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and mentor who embraced life with compassion, strength and love that continues to inspire us all. She lived her life with courage, caring and creativity.  Her brilliant mind, compassion for others, and determination to make the world a better place will forever have a positive impact on those who knew her.  She loved playing tennis, card games, quilting, birds, trees, flowers, and long walks in nature. She was a wonderful Navy wife, a talented seamstress/quilter, a writer, a budget analyst for the Naval Bureau of Medicine, a volunteer for the Red Cross and Navy Relief, a humanitarian, an advocate for the underdog, and above all a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by daughter, Michele Rucker (Brian Rucker) of Fort McDowell, Ariz.; daughter, Cydney Morel-Corton (Jon Christopher Corton) of Chapel Hill; nine grandchildren: Mercedes, Michaela, Miriam, Elana, Austin, Zackary, Lara, Marissa and Flynn; three great-grandchildren:  Gracyn, Seve and Naya; as well as countless nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband (Captain Joseph S. Mitchell) her sister, (Ruth Robbins), brother, (Dan Combs), and two sons-in-law, (LTC Marshall Harper, USA (Retired), and Kevin Peter Morel).

We are honored to have had her in our lives. She will be remembered and loved forever by everyone who knew her.   

A private celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Hilda’s name to the  Carolina Raptor Center, PO Box 16443, Charlotte, NC 28297; or your favorite church or charity.

The Mitchell family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.  Please express your online condolence by using the tab below.