Carol Elaine Mitchell

  Carol Elaine Mitchell, nee Cook, 84, peacefully transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 16, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. While her birth certificate reflects Carol as her first name, she was affectionately referred to as “Elaine” by her family and close friends. Elaine was born on August 24, 1940, to the union of William Edwin Cook, Sr. and Mildred Cook, nee Robinson, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Their union was blessed with three children. Elaine was the second oldest and only girl. She and her siblings spent their early years in the City of St. Louis, specifically the Ville Neighborhood where they were surrounded by family and able to create lifelong memories. Elaine was preceded in death by her mother Mildred Robinson, father William E. Cook, Sr., brother William E. Cook, II and nephew James E. Cook, Jr.

Elaine attended St. Louis Public Schools where she excelled in academics. A proud graduate of the Sumner High School Class of 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine continued her education at the St. Louis Community College. During her freshman year of high school Elaine met the late Percy Alfred Brown. They married in 1962 and were blessed with two children, Byron Anthony Brown ‘63 and Monica Lynn Brown ‘67.  In 1967, Elaine began her career with the United States Federal Government working at the Record Center. She later transferred to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. She devoted three decades of her career to the Veterans Administration, where she served with distinction. During those three decades, her work supported countless Veterans and their families, a testament to her selfless nature and deep sense of responsibility. Elaine’s impressive service was evidenced by her collection of service awards from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. As a result, she rose to the rank of Assistant Chief of Ward Administration. 

Throughout her life Elaine continued pursuing professional development through the State of Missouri Real Estate Licensure education courses, earning her Missouri Real Estate License and a certification in tax preparation from the United States Internal Revenue Service. Her commitment to learning reflected her dedication to excellence and service.

In 1978, Elaine married the late Leon Givens, Sr., a United States Army Veteran. This union was blessed with a daughter, Amber Nicole Givens ‘79. In 1993, the Lord saw fit to bless Elaine with another opportunity to shower a child, Diego Sebastian Brown ‘91, with unconditional love. Elaine loved her four children with all her heart. She was a woman with the heart of a mother, often displaying a quiet strength and offering selfless, unconditional love. 

After retirement, Elaine did one of the most selfless acts of love anyone can do for another, she became her Mother’s primary caregiver. She did so with great pride and joy. After her Mother’s passing, she re-entered the workforce accepting a management position with the State of Missouri and continued to serve her community for another decade. 

With spiritual guidance from her Mother at an early age Elaine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized. Faith was the cornerstone of Elaine’s life, and she was a devoted member of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri for most of her life. When she relocated to Columbia, Missouri and Dallas, Texas, one of the first things she did was identify a church home. In Columbia, Missouri she worshiped and served at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. When Elaine moved to Dallas, Texas to be with her youngest daughter, Amber, they worshipped together at Concord Church. 

She was not only committed to knowing the word but living the word, and as a result she became an active member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) in Dallas, Texas. Her involvement in BSF reflected her love for scripture and spiritual growth. Elaine believed in BSF’s mission, “People discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word.” She took great joy in completing the in-depth BSF homework assignments and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the enlightening small group sessions. 

When Elaine was not at BSF you could find her at the Cedar Hill Senior Activity Center. She found joy in a wide array of activities, from yoga to Zumba class, any line dance activity, craft class and lunching with her friends afterwards. Her love of activities was a longstanding interest. From an early age Elaine always shared a love for communal sporting activities, participating in intramural volleyball and bowling teams.    Music was her second language. Elaine did not miss a beat and she found solace in music. She loved to vibe and dance to all genres, but some of her favorites included hits from the soulful tunes of the 60s...the Temptations to Marvin Gaye the Supremes, Dianna Ross, Smokey Robinson and more. If there was a dance floor, even a makeshift one, Elaine would be dancing and often seen leading the pack. Elaine found comfort in spiritual hymns and some of her oldie favorites until she took her last breath.

Music spoke to her soul and food spoke to her heart. Describing Elaine as a foodie is an understatement. She absolutely delighted in trying new types of cuisine. Her petite frame was no indication of her true appreciation for food. She loved breaking bread with loved ones, sharing in laughter and creating long-lasting memories. 

She measured the quality of her life by how helpful she was to others. During one of the Cedar Hill Senior projects, she was asked to identify what she considered her biggest accomplishment. Elaine simply wrote, “...helping and uplifting others...” She went on to explain that it was important that she welcome newcomers at the Cedar Hill Senior Center and encourage them when they encountered unfamiliar, new activities. 

Throughout her life, Elaine was a beacon of love and forgiveness. She impacted everyone she met and reinforced these invaluable lessons, encouraging those around her to love unconditionally. 

She dedicated her life to her family and friends and will always be remembered for her selfless acts of kindness, forgiving spirit, beautiful smile, warm heart and unwavering support she provided others. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. Her life serves as a gentle reminder of the power and influence of patience, understanding, and selflessness, traits that she gracefully embodied. 

Elaine will be dearly missed. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, daughters: Monica Lynn Brown Liddell and Honorable Judge Amber Nicole Givens; sons: Byron Anthony (Carita) Brown and Diego Sebastian (Taylar) Brown; grandsons: Kittrel (Trynai) Braselman and Mason Brown; granddaughters: Tia Liddell, Taylor Liddell, Tori Liddell and Winston Moore; great-grandchildren: Josiah O’Neal, Ethan Moore, Joleigh West, Auden Vaultz, Harlynn Vaultz, Houston Favell, Kolton Braselman, Kinsley Braselman and Emory Nolan. She will also be remembered fondly by her brother James E. Cook, Sr., sisters: Melodie Garner and Gaile (Cynthia) Garner; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

As a family we find solace knowing that Elaine is a child of God and her absence from her body means she is present with the Lord. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:8 It is well with our soul, until we meet again Elaine. We love you beyond infinity. 

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