Leroy Mitchell Thurston, Jr., 72, oldest child and only son of the late Leroy M. Thurston, Sr., and Evelyn Everline Willis Thurston was born on August 21, 1943 in Louisa, Virginia. Mitchell departed this life on Friday, August 19, 2016 at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister, JoAnne.

At an early age he was baptized by the Mt. Gilliam New Site Baptist Church. He attended schools in West Virginia and Virginia and graduated from A. G. Richardson High School. After graduation he attended Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. Mitchell worked on a number of jobs throughout his lifetime.

Mitchell was married to the late Nazie Nancey Coleman and moved his church membership to Mt. Gilliam Old Site. He was known to be a very caring person and would help anyone especially senior citizens when asked.

He leaves to cherish his memory, four sisters, Marion Royster, Washington, DC,; Shirley (Frankie) Williams of Louisa, VA, Dorothea Mersier of Riverdale, MD and Bernice (Willie) Smith of Bowie, MD; one aunt Inez W. Thurston of Louisa, Virginia, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Mt. Gilliam (OS) Baptist Church 4161 Chalk Level Road Luisa, Virginia 23093 with Rev. Virginia Farmer officiating and Rev. Henry Truzy eulogist.