Olgra Ouida Mitchell's Obituary
In loving memory of Olgra Ouida (McFarlin) Mitchell,
With heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss, we announce the passing of Olgra Ouida (McFarlin) Mitchell, affectionately known as Ouida.
Ouida joined her Lord and Savior in her eternal home on January 18, 2024, at 93. Ouida was a beloved and deeply respected pillar of our community who left a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion. Her departure creates a void felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Ouida was born to Elbert Sydney McFarlin and June Dean (Harris) McFarlin in the Heights of Houston, Texas, on April 27, 1930. Ouida was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Alan Mitchell, son, Michael David Mitchell, and stepson, Gene Alan Mitchell, Jr.
She is survived by her grandson, Mitch Hunter Mitchell; her granddaughter, Krystal Skinner; her great-grandson, Kaleb Lewis; sisters Betty Jo (McFarlin) Brock, Dorothy Edwina (McFarlin) Hutsell, Janice Anne (McFarlin) Vassigh; many nieces and nephews; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Respecting Ouida’s devotion to duty, details, diligence, and caring, the following is an obituary found written in her hand as she wanted to be remembered:
“She was schooled from 1st to 12th grade at the same site, Schulenburg High School. From age four until finishing high school, she attended the First Baptist Sunday School and Church. She never remembered not honoring God and believing in Jesus. After Graduation, she tried Journalism and Bookkeeping at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, taking a small school bus to and from there three days a week. She did not like sitting for 3 hours without moving. She talked to her father at Christmas, and he agreed she could work in Houston. God led her to the City-County Hospital for a job as a clerk typist, doing filing and more.
While working in Houston, she was invited to a Baptist Church; the message was clear, and the Holy Spirit opened the door to her understanding of a personal relationship with Jesus. Ouida gave her life and all to Him. At work, she witnessed to everyone in the office. A friend from home encouraged her to enter the Nursing Program at Jeff Davis, the County Hospital. She enrolled in the nursing program after passing all the University of Houston entrance exams. She graduated in 1954 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at M.D. Anderson Cancer & Tumor Research Hospital.”
Moving to Dallas, Ouida worked in various hospitals, most notably Baylor Hospital, where a highlight was when she was chosen to aid Ronald Reagan, spokesman for Westinghouse, in publicizing and promoting their new machine to aid in care for cancer patients. She left hospital nursing to begin work as the Director of Nursing Homes, first at Resthaven near her home, then at Treemont from 1987 to 2000, and lastly, one in Mesquite, Texas, from 2000 to 2009, when she retired. Ouida continued to work as a personal nurse and caregiver to elderly patients, the last being Mrs. Rose. She resigned to care for her husband of 55 years, Gene, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
“Ouida was the 5th of eleven children born to E.S. McFarlin. Johnnie Lee McFarlin and Urah Adelia ‘Sister’ (McFarlin) Johnson were born to his first wife, who died at Sister’s birth. Daddy and Mother married four years later and gave birth to Sidney Buford McFarlin, Imogene Ruth (McFarlin) McClay, Olgra Ouida (McFarlin) Mitchell, Mahlon Burl McFarlin, Betty Jo (McFarlin) Brock, Kathryn Otheta (McFarlin) Hollabaugh, Dorothy Edwina (McFarlin) Hutsell, Howard Ray McFarlin, and Janice Anne (McFarlin) Vassigh. Ouida was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings and is survived by Betty, Edwina, and Janice.”
Ouida, a woman of many talents, loved gardening and later in life took up Oil Painting, producing many lovely paintings of landscapes, floral arrangements, and objects. All her life, Ouida was involved in church activities and fellowships. In the summers, she took her vacation time from work to serve as a Nurse and Counselor at Grace Bible Church’s summer camp. Ouida enjoyed listening to various ministers on the radio, especially J. Vernon McGee and TBN on the T.V. She also enjoyed listening to hymns and classical music.
She enjoyed vacations with Gene to many parts of the U.S., especially annual trips to the Ozarks in Arkansas for many years.
Ouida might best be remembered and loved as a “Prayer Warrior” with several sisters and close friends. Ouida loved her family and would make regular calls with her sisters, family members, and friends. She would have long conversations, sharing her memories and expressing her love and compassion with the people she cared about deeply.
May Ouida rest in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones in the embrace of The Divine. Her memory will forever inspire us, reminding us to live with the same love and grace she exemplified throughout her remarkable journey.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1-2:30 pm at Grace Bible Church - 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75229.
A light reception will be held immediately afterward at Grace Bible Church.
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