Obituary of Barbara Ann Mitchell

Barbara Ann (“Sue”) Dutton Mitchell, age 89 of Fairfax, passed peacefully at her river home in Lottsburg, VA on December 19, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence M. and Watson P. Dutton; brothers Robert Potter Dutton (Foster) and Ronald Kurth Dutton (Delores); and her beloved husband, Harvey Nelson Mitchell. She is survived by her six sons, Michael (Barbara-deceased), Steve (Wanda), David (Robin), Bryan (Cathy), Todd and Mark. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Born in Camden, New Jersey on August 26, 1930, her family later moved to Arlington, Virginia, where she attended and graduated from Washington and Lee High School. It was there that she met her future husband, Harvey. They opened their dry-cleaning business, SERVALL Cleaners in Fairfax, VA and raised their family there before moving to Oakton in 1966. She worked at their business in addition to raising their six sons. Sue (or Grandma Sue to many) was known for her sweet smile and beautiful blue eyes. Throughout her life she loved music and sang with the Vienna-Falls Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. The award-winning chorus secured second place in 1986 at the Philadelphia, PA Sweet Adelines International Competition and were crowned champions at the 1988 competition held in Houston, Texas. She also enjoyed skiing, traveling, boating, golfing and gardening. The family is planning a celebration of life memorial service that will be held in the spring at her river home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor will be accepted at Melrose United Methodist Church, 1317 Lewisetta Rd Lottsburg, VA 22511 (Attn: Backpack Buddies Program).