Samuel Mitchell Ferguson

 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…

II Timothy 4:7

Samuel Mitchell Ferguson was born on April 16, 1934 in Appomattox County to the late Samuel Dee and Mamie Ferguson. He departed this life on June 30, 2023 at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia.

He attended public schools in Appomattox County, Virginia. At an early age he joined Springfield Baptist Church in Appomattox. At the age of 15, he had to forgo his education due to the tragic loss of his mother from a car accident, and go to work to help his dad take care of the family. This event taught him the importance of family. He learned early how to raise, nurture and care for his own family.

Mitchell moved to Turner Station in Baltimore County to seek employment with Bethlehem Steel Corporation at the tender age of 19 years. After finding gainful employment, he returned to Virginia to get the love of his life, Barbara Lee Pankey, whom he married on February 8, 1953. To this union they were blessed with three wonderful children, Mitchell Jr., Ashwin and Carolyn and one devoted grandson, Devin. He had many names…Daddy, Granddaddy, Mitch, Mitchell, Uncle Mitch, Uncle, Old Top, Big Man and Big Mitch.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and most of all friend. There was nothing, if you asked him when he was able, that he wouldn’t do for you. “Mitch” had a natural ability for fixing cars. He worked on cars for himself as well as others. He mastered the art of grilling; family members would say they got their skills from watching him. Mitchell was just an all-around good guy. To know him was to truly love him. He was a man of his word, gentle and kind. Nothing was more important to him than returning to Appomattox for Family and Friends Day and the 3rd Sunday in August Revival. After working 43 years with Bethlehem Steel, he retired and returned to his birthplace, Appomattox.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Lee, his parents Samuel Dee and Mamie, stepmother Virginia Dare, his brother Abby; sister-in-law Ruby, niece Joy, nephew Mark; In-laws Leola, Ernest, Carroll, and Carolyn.

Mitchell leaves to cherish his memory, three loving and devoted children Mitchell, Jr., Ashwin, Carolyn West, grandson Devin, daughter-in-law Lisa, son-in-law Charles; one special son Michael Green of Baltimore. Five sisters, Nelder Goode, Myrtle Darden (Morris), Bernice Jones (Lee) all of Baltimore County, Maryland; Diann Thomas (Ronald) of Columbia, Maryland; Denise Hendricks (Warren), Appomattox, VA. Two brothers-in-law, Andrew Majett (Mira) Alexandria, VA; William Hairston (Jill); One sister-in-law Wanda Mays (James) of Fort Washington, Maryland; One aunt-in-law, Mildred Edwards; uncle-in-law Raymond Pankey (Martha), Appomattox, VA. Step-grandchildren Leslie Braxton, Charlottesville, VA; Terrance Bolden (Rebbie) Lynchburg, VA; Brandon West, Buckingham, VA; devoted family members Geraldine Glover, Lester Williams, Ashley Williams, Delaphine and Lorenzo Chambers, Charlene Trent and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 “May Mitchell be granted at Almighty God’s appointed time a resurrection back to life as the Bible promises.

A funeral service for Mr. Ferguson will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Springfield Baptist Church, 6074 Watt Abbitt Rd, Appomattox, VA.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, 12 noon until 5 p.m., at Bruce and Stiff Funeral Home.

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