Mitchell, Anna Phillips
It is with great sadness that the family of Anna Mitchell announces her passing at the age of 92. Anna was born in Grafton, WV, and grew up in Philippi, WV. She was the Valedictorian of her high school class. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree and graduated summa cum laude from Capital University and obtained a master’s degree in music from Southern Illinois University. Music was always one of her passions.
She also loved tennis and her tennis gals, travel with friends and family, gardening and rooting for the Hokies. Her travel adventures had her living in various states and countries with her husband and children. It also had her exploring with her husband, family or friends the history of European cities, traveling with National Geographic, visiting with the Galapagos turtles, boating down the Amazon, exploration of the West, sipping wine in Napa, and photographing birds in Belize, Bermuda and Cuba. She did all of these until her mid 80s.
One of her favorites though would be teaching piano to her students. She taught music throughout her life in the states and countries that she lived as a music teacher and as choir director at churches. She also loved teaching bell choir. Anna enjoyed teaching out of her home studio and having recitals for her students and teaching locally at Radford University and Virginia Tech. She traveled abroad annually to attend music conferences or to perform and teach at them. Many locals will also remember her frequent letters to the editor.
Passing before her had been her father, Dow Phillips, mother Beryl, brother Dow II, nephew Dow III, a son David and a very devoted and loving husband, Glen. She leaves behind a sister-in-law Pat Phillips, niece Julie and two sons and their families, Mark (Janina) with granddaughter Moriah who is obtaining her doctorate at Harvard and Paul (Barbara) and grandson Chris who inherited his grandmother’s musical talent and sat with her the last five years on an almost daily basis.
The family would like to thank English Meadows nurses and staff and Hospice for their care and kindness as well as friends and extended family who have reached out over the years offering comfort and support.
At this time, a private family service is being planned. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements are through McCoy Funeral Home.
