Doris Jean Osborne-Mizelle

Our mom Doris Jean Osborne-Mizelle was born June 29, 1937 in Jackson, Tennessee to Otto and Katherine Crayton. She was the fourth of 5 children. Mom was educated in the Jackson Public School System where she excelled in her studies. Mom and her family lived in Jackson and attended the Tabernacle of David the House of Israel Church where her father was one of the ministers. In her late teens Mom relocated to Chicago. After moving to Chicago, she joined and was baptized at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where Reverend C.R. Phillips was the pastor. She later joined Trinity United Church of Christ under Reverend Jeremiah Wright. She loved her church and stayed on and attended regular Sunday church service even after Reverend Wright retired and Reverend Otis Moss became the pastor. She was totally convinced that Reverend Moss personally called her each week to give her the updates and upcoming events of the church. No one could convince her that it was a recording. It did not matter whether it was rain or shine. She made her way to church almost every Sunday, oftentimes taking the bus. While in Chicago Mom worked to provide a loving clean home for her five children and made sure we were always cared for. She always reminded us that “I am the Mother” and that she was. She protected us and cared for us in a city that could have easily swallowed us all up. Mom wanted to learn how to type and find a better job in the business arena, so she attended Marion Business College, but that was not her passion. Her true passion was caring for people, so she decided to go to school to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. She worked in various health occupations which included working for a pediatrician and a gynecologist. She loved caring for the elderly and had many private duty clients. The people she cared for adored her and adopted her into their families. Mom loved to shop, and she loved to buy beautiful things. Her closets were filled with sequined dresses, suits, shoes, and jewelry, especially earrings that she purchased on her numerous shopping sprees. She loved all kinds of stores but one of her favorites was Carson Pirie Scott. Mom could cook. We think she was the best cook there ever was. She made the best tasting cakes and her holiday dinners were full of deliciousness. She made homemade yeast rolls that just melted in your mouth. When we were little kids and she would make her cakes sitting in a chair with the bowl in her lap and beating the ingredients together with the wooden spoon, we waited with much anticipation as she made the sample cake (the little cake that was the test to make sure that the big cake was absolutely perfect) and gave it to us to taste the first bites. Yes, it was always perfect! Meals at our house were plentiful and we enjoyed every morsel she prepared for us. Over 25 years ago, Mom met the love of her life in Larry Mizelle. They were like two young teenagers in love, dating for many many years. Finally, in August 2017 mom gave in, was swept off her feet and she and Larry tied the knot. Their 25-year romance included traveling to little vacation spots, going to many of the street festivals, and going to the auto show every single year. They both loved cars and they enjoyed seeing all the different models. Mom and Larry loved attending church together and they would trade off and go to each other’s respective churches. After a few short months of being married, Larry unexpectedly passed away. On September 9, Mom joined her beloved Larry, her brothers Otto and John, her sister Helen, and her mom and dad. Mom has left an indelible mark in the lives of many who had the opportunity to meet her. Mom leaves to cherish her memory, her children: LaChetis Brown (Terrance) of Nashville, Tennessee; Linda Allison of Las Vegas, Nevada; Anthony Osborne of Rochester, Minnesota; Rhonda Travis (John) of Dyer, Indiana; and Valerie Rice (Ray) of Lansing, Illinois; One sister, Lavern Lanier of Jackson, Tennessee; Two Sisters-in-law: Magnolia Crayton of St. Louis, Missouri and Mary Crayton of Chicago, Illinois; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Doris Jean Osborne-Mizelle

June 29, 1937 - September 9, 2019