Eugenia Janet Mitchell

Eugenia Janet Furman was born on July 22, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York as the second eldest child of John Presley Furman and Fannie Estelle Stover. She was part of a large loving family with deep roots in the Black church. Eugenia grew up in the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant where she served on the usher board for many years. In school, Jeanie was an exceptional student who loved her English classes. At the early age of 15, she graduated at the top of her class from Prospect Heights High School. She went on to study business administration at Brooklyn College. In 1959, she married James Henry Mitchell in the Cooper Park Projects of Brooklyn. She was a thoughtful and loving wife and the most amazing mother to their two daughters, Sharon and Sheila. In Cooper Park, Mrs. Mitchell was known as a kind and helpful neighbor and friend, often babysitting many of the children in the community. Eugenia worked in manufacturing at D. Kwitman & Son for over 25 years. At the age of 70, she retired and decided to migrate south to her parents’ hometown of Camden, South Carolina.

Eugenia had many hobbies, most notably her love for mind-stimulating games such as Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles; the more difficult, the better. She relished challenging herself, and those closest to her considered her a genius. Additionally, she enjoyed reading and watching mystery series, with Alfred Hitchcock being her favorite. Eugenia cherished the holidays and the time spent with her family. With a creative eye for interior design, she particularly enjoyed decorating her treasured China cabinet and dining table. She was a faithful member of Camden First United Methodist Church where she served as recording secretary for the Golden Gems. Mrs. Eugenia Mitchell was blessed with many good friends who she met from her church and neighborhood. She was a selfless and kind-hearted woman who believed that her purpose in life was to share the blessings bestowed upon her by God.

On June 6, 2024, Eugenia moved into her new home in Camden with her granddaughter and her great-granddaughter. She was elated about returning to her beloved Camden after spending a few years residing in Elgin. During her last few days, she had the opportunity to decorate and organize her new home, reunite with old friends, make new friends, and spend time with her loved ones up until her sudden departure on the morning of June 11, 2024. This graceful, loving, sacred woman, mother, and friend lived a long and fruitful life. Eugenia is preceded in death by her parents John P. Furman and Fannie E. Furman; her husband James H. Mitchell; and her younger brothers Dr. John P. Furman Jr. and Darnell D. Furman. She leaves to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy two daughters, Sharon Mitchell-Tyler and Sheila Marie Durant. Two grandchildren, Chavon Vaz and Jonathan G. Woodley. Five great-grandchildren, Alaafia-Ife Vaz, Jonayah A. Woodley, Jamir Johnson, Jaice M. Woodley, and Sa’Miah Johnson. Two son-in-laws, James Tyler and Yakim Bilal Durant. One grandson-in-law, Oyewole Abiba. A sister: Joyce Jernigan. A brother: Ronald R. Furman. Three sister-in-laws: Robyn Furman, Dr. Marva Jan Furman, and Deborah Furman. Nieces: Tracey Abbott, Carla Lacy, Shelly Furman, Dr. Centa Furman, Dr. Cheryse Furman-Sankar, Dr. Kara Furman, and Janaye Furman. Nephews: Joseph Jernigan Jr. and David Darnell Furman Jr. Close cousins: Florence Darby, Katherine Wright, and Vanessa Adams. She also leaves an extensive list of friends and extended family that she touched throughout the years. With love and honor to God, Eugenia J. Mitchell will be missed.