Karie Mitchell Obituary

Karie Mitchell Obituary (from AL.com)
Karie Anne Paschall Mitchell passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025, following her valiant fight against ALS. She was surrounded by her loving family.
The daughter of James Edward Paschall and Betty Sue Brown Paschall, Karie was born on November 13, 1952 in Ogden, Utah, where her father was stationed in the United States Air Force. After her father’s military service ended, the family eventually returned to Geneva, Alabama, where Karie and her three younger sisters grew up. Karie graduated from Geneva High School in 1971.
She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Troy State University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and was involved with the music department.
After she married, Karie became a teacher and stay-at-home mom. Her proudest achievement was raising her three children, sons Jay and Ryan and daughter Laura. She was a wonderful mother who was deeply involved in her children’s lives and many activities. She had her children in church each week, continually surrounded them with prayer and the Word of God, and encouraged them in their pursuits.
Karie loved beautiful music and art. She was a proficient pianist and often played Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy at home. Later in life, she became an accomplished photographer and had her own business. Along the way, she developed deep friendships with local musicians and artists and helped and encouraged them in their work.
Karie was a great explorer and adventurer. She loved a good road trip and would regularly set out with her dog for a drive out West or to her beloved beach spots on 30A in Florida. And wherever she went, she loved to hike, buy new books, and get plenty of sunshine, and was always quick to make new friends and learn their stories.
In March 2024, Karie was diagnosed with ALS. Within months, it began to take her mobility and speech, but it never took her spirit. At every point along the way, she trusted in her Savior Jesus Christ and was buoyed by the prayers and visits of her family and close friends. She displayed grit and determination until the very end, and many were moved by how gracefully she faced such physical adversity.
Karie is survived by her son Jay Mitchell (Elizabeth), her son Ryan Mitchell (Lynn), and her daughter Laura Mitchell Blake (Adam). She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Tully Mitchell, Jack Mitchell, Ryly Mitchell, Anissa Mitchell, Claire Mitchell, Emmy Mitchell, Charlie Blake, and Sam Blake, who all loved her dearly, as well as her sisters, Debbie Schiller and Lisa Wainwright. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Pam Brogden.
A memorial service celebrating Karie’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial gifts be sent to the ALS Association (www.als.org) in honor of Karie, whose courage continues to inspire others.