March 5, 1957 – October 1, 2025
William Maurice “Still Bill” Mitchell was born to Ethel Lee Mitchell and William Sam Mitchell in Chicago, Illinois, on March 5, 1957. He lived a number of places until his family settled in Seattle, Washington, in 1971, and Seattle is the place he always considered home.
Mitchell attended Meany Middle School and was a proud alumnus of Garfield High School, where he played guard for the 1975 Bulldogs men’s team. Basketball was Mitchell’s passion from childhood, inspired by his mother, Ethel Lee, and he went on to play point guard at Whitman College, in many local leagues and on countless playgrounds after college. A lifelong Laker fan, Mitchell’s favorite current player was “The Chosen One,” LeBron James.
As a Christian from age 12, Mitchell always exemplified a warm and loving spirit, always providing encouragement and support to those around him.
Mitchell struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol for a number of years but became clean and sober on Nov. 6, 2006, one of his proudest accomplishments. He was a voracious reader, particularly of books by Black authors, and also loved spending time with his family, hanging out debating various topics with his friends, watching basketball games and finding ways to brighten someone’s day.
Mitchell was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, mentor and friend.
Mitchell is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Peggy; daughter, Jalayne; daughter, Kristina, and her wife, Kim; granddaughter, Heaven; sisters, Melanie and Juliette; the entire Miller Rec crew; Garfield classmates; his AA community, particularly the 1504 club members; and a host of family, friends, coworkers and everyone whose life he touched with his joyful, caring spirit.
Mitchell’s life will be celebrated at Miller Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. It will be a celebration of his life, so please wear whatever brings you joy—bright colors, comfortable clothing, all black or something else. It will be a time of celebration, community and sharing wonderful memories.
