Rev. Vonley Edward Mitchum

Rev. Vonley Edward Mitchum, 81, of Harmony, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 5, 2015, Iredell Memorial Hospital. Rev. Mitchum was born in Rutherford County on November 23, 1933, and was the son of the late Vonley Albert Mitchum and Rosie Hudson Mitchum Morris.  He was a graduate of Iredell County schools and attended Mitchell Community College.  He was married to Mary B. “Nell” Mitchum, who survives. Rev. Mitchum was retired from J.P. Stevens where he worked as a Q.C. Supervisor.  In 1999, he was ordained as a minister and following his retirement, he pastored several churches.  He was a member of Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church where he served as a Steward and Sunday school teacher. He loved his family and especially his grandsons.  He was also a lover of dogs, music and singing and he could play just about any instrument.  For many years, Rev. Mitchum could be found “holding court” during breakfast and lunch at the Harmony Café. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Wilkerson, a son-in-law, Carlton Wilkerson along with one brother and one sister. Along with his wife, Nell, he is survived by two daughters, Denise M. Wilkerson and Yvonne Mitchum, and one grandson, Michael Wilkerson, all of Harmony. Funeral services for Rev. Mitchum will be conducted 3:00 PM Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church with Rev. David Walters officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will visit with friends following the graveside rites. Online condolences can be made to the family of Rev. Mitchum at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.