Elder John Shelton Mikell

Elder John Shelton Mikell, age 89, died on Saturday, April 9th, 2016, at Southeast GA Medical Center in Brunswick, GA surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklet, GA on May 26, 1926 to the late Lee Roy Mikell and Naomi Bland Mikell of Brooklet and was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Mikell, and one sister, Kathleen Waters.

Elder Mikell was a graduate of Brooklet High School, and received a Bachelor degree from Armstrong University and a Masters of Mathematics from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of WWII.

Elder Mikell wore many hats throughout the years. He was a telephone operator, school bus driver, Algebra and Science teacher, and then the Headmaster at Brooklet High School.

Elder Mikell was ordained as a minister of the Gospel on, June 25, 1953 at the Brooklet Primitive Baptist Church. He loved God and loved people and dedicated his life to the service of the Lord. His joyful smile and friendly demeanor has greeted many of God's children at the doors of numerous churches; and many have learned about the love of the Jesus under his pastorate. He has pastored the following Progressive Primitive Baptist churches: Fellowship Church, Vidalia Church, Brooklet Church, Valdosta Church, Miami Church, Faith Church, Mt. Union Church, Oak Park Church, Statesboro Church, Metter Church, and Mt Olive Church.

Elder Mikell was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his bride of 69 years, Mildred Waters Mikell of Statesboro; a son and daughter-in-law, John Shelton Jr. and Erin Mikell of Goosecreek, SC; a daughter and son-in-law, Shera and Joshua Smith of Douglas; four grandchildren, Chantel (David) Hughes, Jason(Danielle) Mikell, Rebecca (Michael) Reynolds, Heather (Matthew) Medley; nine great-grandchildren, Isabella, Owain, Olivia, Eryn, Vincent, Brenin, Michael, Mills, and Emma Jane; one sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at Metter Primitive Baptist Church in Metter, Georgia on Wednesday, April 13th, at 2:30 p.m. with Elder David Summerford, Elder Bill Durrence and Elder Mike Newman officiating. Burial will be in the Brooklet City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 12th, from 4:30-8:00 pm, also at the Metter Primitive Baptist Church. Deacons of the church will serve as pallbearers. All Primitive Baptist ministers are asked to be honorary pallbearers.

Any memorial contributions may be made to the Primitive Baptist Foundation, c/o Darryl Harris, Secretary-Treasurer, P.O. Box 595, Roswell, GA 30077-0595. Guest book: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of arrangements.