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Sharon Denise Mitchell, lovingly known as "Neice," passed away peacefully, surrounded by her cherished family and friends. She was born on January 27, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Ann Mitchell (Walter Sr.) and Clarence Ray (Harlene).
A proud member of the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Class of 1975, Sharon dedicated more than 32 years of her life to serving others as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in both Ohio and Georgia. Her kind heart and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on those she cared for and worked alongside.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Walter Mitchell Jr. and Javance Ray; her beloved aunts Rose Johnson and Willa Pear Lanier; and her uncles William H. Sutton and Clarence Dismuke.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: daughter Andrea Lewis (Jason) of Dayton, OH; sons John C. Johnson III (LaKeisha) of Atlanta, GA; and Jay C. Johnson (Dr. Princess) of Dayton, OH. She also shared a special maternal bond with Juan C. Johnson and LaShawnda Johnson of Dayton, OH. Sharon's lifelong soulmate and spirited debating partner, John C. Johnson Jr., will forever hold her in his heart.
Sharon is also survived by her siblings: Cynthia Mitchell of California; Rochelle Young (Lendell) of Dayton, OH; Michelle Ray and Stacy Ray of California; and brothers Charles Mitchell and Cordell Mitchell of Dayton, OH; Lavance Ray, Victor Ray, and Sean Ray of California; and Anthony Ray of Kentucky. She leaves behind two beloved aunts, Virginia Ivery and Maimie “Sue” Dismuke.
Sharon accepted Christ at an early age and remained a devout Christian throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Omega Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the food ministry, children's church, and choir until relocating to Georgia. Sharon was known for her sweet soul, welcoming nature, and generous heart—never meeting a stranger and always willing to give, even her "last two dollars."
Her legacy lives on through her 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.
Celebration of Life
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning promptly at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 1501 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402. Pastor Cory J. Pruitt and Pastor Davion Ivery will officiate. Interment will follow at West Memory Gardens. A repast will be held at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to Pryor Crematory & Funeral Home.
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