Fiery and determined were words often used to describe Bernice Mitchell . She was deeply passionate about people .
He was an incredibly gifted scientist and researcher , but a skill set he had that blows me away was his ability to connect and empathize with anyone from anywhere .
69 of other women who were also non-traditional students . This group eventually came to be the OSU Women ’ s Council .
Continuing in her professional career , Bernice worked as a bailiff in the Payne County Court House under Judge Ray Wall . Her work with the courthouse led her to run for the Payne County Commissioner seat for District 2 . She held this office for two terms .
Through all of her career phases , most central to her passions were the issues that affected women , children and those experiencing homelessness . Working to address the issue of domestic violence , Bernice advocated for the creation of what would become Wings of Hope and the Stillwater Domestic Violence Center .
Fiery and determined were words often used to describe Bernice Mitchell . She was deeply passionate about people . At state and local levels , my grandma was a champion for human-rights and fairness .
In honor of their legacy , The Chamber of Commerce honors a community member who models the commitment to diversity and advocacy that my grandparents did . As a chamber employee , this award fills me with hope for our community . As Stillwater grows and changes the drive to be a community that serves and uplifts all people is central . As Earl and Bernice ’ s granddaughter , I am filled with pride for a different reason . I am proud of the legacy that my family and I have been left with . I am thankful that the values I learned over car rides and dinner tables were lived out in our community in a meaningful way .
Writing about my grandparents in a strictly biographical way felt wrong . Their accomplishments are archived in more articles than I can count . What I feel more inclined to speak to is the kind of people they were . They were mindful and dutiful , poised , and passionate . They were diligent in the work that they did for the communities they served . But above all , they were devoted friends , family , mentors , teachers , coaches and advocates for all people .
In their lifetimes , my grandparents lived to the fullest what they encouraged me to do and what I now encourage anyone reading this article to do : “ As much as good as you can , for as many people as you can , for as long as you can .”
I am thankful for two examples of what that conviction looks like lived out , and I look forward to the people in the Stillwater community who will carry that legacy forward .
COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce