Alonzo Mitchell passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2021. He was born to parents Lola and John Mitchell on May 6, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised alongside his sisters, Carrie Mitchell, Ruby Jones, Debra Ysrael, Rosalee Hargrove-Westley and brothers, Lesly, Greg, and Arthur Hargrove, and Eliyah Ysrael.
Stepping out on his own as an adult, Mitch, or “Y’all Call” as he would be affectionately referred to in business later in life, joined the Air Force and served for 8 years. Following that time Mitch began writing lyrics and subsequently started his own record label, “HELLS RECORDS”. He was a hard working man with work ethic to match, and was employed at EATON for 18 and a half years, and American Fibrit for 13 years, where he retired. While working, Mitch continued his public service by coordinating Jesse Jackson's campaign throughout Calhoun County, Michigan in 1988. During this time he also obtained membership in various community groups, such as, the Battle Creek, Michigan Chapter of the NAACP. He also served as the first Vice President of the Battle Creek Chapter of A. Phillip Randolph. As a member of the A.P.R., he was awarded the Outstanding Member Award Honor in 2001. Alonzo (Mitch) also sponsored the People’s Choice Youth Program through Washington Heights Community Ministry Church. In line with his humanitarian spirit, he was given the very First Annual Police Community Relations Award in April of 1978 in Battle Creek. He was also given a community service award from The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club Inc. in April 2005.
His dedication to community and service was exemplified as well in his frequent visits to friends all around town, which he enjoyed most of all. Mitch was always an entrepreneur, and because of this ambition and spirit, he earned the nickname “Y’all Call”, and even used the slogan on a work truck promoting his business, to “Keep America Beautiful!”
Mitch stood for civil rights, knowledge, community, and family, which led to many lifelong connections. He is survived by his Wife, Mary Francis Mitchell; Sons, Douglas Myron Mitchell, Steven Jones, David and Mark Stewart, Steve and Doug Brown, and Two Daughters, Kim Jones and Karla Muhammad. He was preceded in death by Two Daughters, Marolyn Alonso Mitchell and Donna Lynn Mitchell.
Mitch was blessed with Six Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren. Not to be forgotten however are many loved nieces and nephews, whom he cared for greatly over the years, with special recognition to Beverly June Ard and Family, with whom Mitch maintained a deep and loving connection.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Washington Heights Methodist Church starting at 12:00 pm (noon).