Biography: Phylis Sullivan Mitchell died peacefully at home in Little Rock on Sunday morning, January 30, 2022. A woman of grace, poise and sharp wit, Phylis was well loved by family and friends.

Phylis was born in Bloomington, Indiana to George and Pearl Sullivan on March 30, 1930, and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1948. She married James J. Mitchell of Bloomington on September 4, 1948, and soon began a family. With five children in tow, she worked with her husband in his businesses in Buena Vista, Georgia and in Little Rock. Their legacy, Mitchell & Company, still operates in downtown Little Rock.

Phylis is predeceased by her beloved husband Jim and by their son Roger Mitchell. She is survived by her daughters Diane Pedersen and her husband Tom, Debra Getchell, Dana Durney and her husband Chris, and by her son, Reid Mitchell, and his wife Kay. She is also survived by her brothers Joe Sullivan of Kokomo, Indiana and Russ Sullivan of Jacksonville, Florida, by cousin Emilie Cunningham of Crockett, Texas and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Never one to rest on her laurels, she was active in her church and in the garden club. She volunteered with several organizations including the Arkansas Repertory Theater, the Arkansas Symphony and St. Vincent’s Ladies Auxiliary. She was always happy to help a friend in need and did so many times. Phylis was a full-fledged Red Hat Lady and always looked beautiful in red and purple. She enjoyed participating with her fully decorated Mini in The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

When asked how she was doing, she always answered “better than good.” Now that she’s in God’s hands, we know that is the case.

A memorial service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Saturday, February 5, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, everyone is encouraged to donate to their favorite charity.