Stephen Kenneth Mitchell, age 76, passed away on Dec 11th, 2025 in Lincolnton NC. after complications following surgery. He was the third of five children born into a missionary family in Brazil. His parents, Kenneth Mitchell and Jean Robbins established many churches in rural areas in northeast Brazil between 1948 and 1975. Stephen spent much of his childhood in Brazil and was shaped by his early years abroad. He graduated from Ben Lippen Academy in South Carolina in 1967 and was proud to have contributed to the schools soccer program. He began theological studies but soon returned to Brazil to assist his missionary parents. He returned later to the United States and decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd Marine Air Wing as an aviation film developer. He thoroughly enjoyed his time aboard the carrier USS Midway (CV-41) in waters off of Vietnam.
While in the Philippines, he married Cresteta Hermata, while he was still on active duty. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1977. He and Cresteta returned to the United States and had two sons.
After his wife’s untimely death, he faced many hardships, disappointments and health challenges as a single parent with two small children. His life became increasingly marked by hardship and significant health challenges which caused him to be eligible for Social Security assistance and Veterans disability support. Despite all his hardships and health issues, he maintained a profound and abiding faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and attended church services as often as he could.
He is survived by his two sons and three grandchildren; three sisters Sharon Aldrich, Patricia Vintinner, Carol Tapley and his brother Jonathan Mitchell and their families
A private memorial service will be held in Denver, NC. and burial will take place at the Salisbury National Cemetery at a later date.
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