Betty Jean Mitchell Poinsette

Betty Jean Mitchell Poinsette received her wings and quietly left this earth on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at the age of 70. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Betty's life began in Darlington County, South Carolina. Born on December 4, 1950 to the late Essie Mae and King Mitchell Sr., Betty was the youngest of twelve siblings. She graduated from Butler High School in Hartsville, SC and would later relocate to Mount Vernon, NY where she resided the remainder of her life. Betty worked for many years at the Bank of New York and Manufacturers Hanover Corporation. She would retire early due to an illness and would spend her remaining year's taking care of family. 

On October 1976, Betty would marry Gerald Carl Poinsette. The couple were blessed by their beautiful daughter Krystal. Betty loved being a mom and spent every available opportunity doing different activities with her daughter Krystal. As a grand-mother Betty continued to share her boundless love with her twin grand-babies; Kristian and Kaitlyn.

Anyone who knew Betty will remember her infectious smile and unmatched energy. One could not avoid being caught in her orbit. She loved to talk, especially about her beloved daughter and twin grand-babies. Betty valued family time and spent hours every day talking to her many loved ones on the phone. She also loved taking trips to visit them. Betty attended every milestone, major event and everything in between. From birthdays to graduations, weddings to recitals, Girl Scouts to soccer and lacrosse to basketball games, barbeques to family reunions and spontaneous get-togethers…Betty was always there.

Betty was a voracious reader and read everything from books to magazines, along with her daily scriptures. She loved listening to music and was known for her amazing culinary skills. Nothing got in Betty's way. She was often seen taking the bus to run errands, buying items to spoil her grand-babies, attending appointments or visiting her daughter to deliver some of her home cooked meals. Betty also loved to travel and took many cruises and trips to visit family members.

Betty is survived by her husband Gerald Poinsette and daughter Krystal Howell of Pelham, NY; son-in-law Kevin Howell of Pelham, NY; twin grandchildren, grandson, Kristian Howell and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Howell. Betty also leaves to mourn two sisters, Mrs. Queen Ester Douglas of Hartsville, SC; Julia (Melvin) James of Elizabeth City, NC; five brothers, Levern (Carolyn) Mitchell of Yonkers, N.Y., Robert (Mary) Mitchell of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., Willie Frank (Rose) Mitchell of Stroudsburg, P.A. King (Margaret) Mitchell Jr. of Burlington, N.C.; Tommy Coverdale of Delaware; along with a host of in-laws and other family members and friends. She is predeceased by her parents and four brothers J.L. Mitchell, Leo Mitchell, Troy Mitchell, and Roosevelt Mitchell. Betty was a beacon of light who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Betty's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York on Saturday March 6th from 2-6pm. Interment will be private. Those wishing to view Betty's Celebration of Life may also do so by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/betty-poinsette on Saturday March 6th from 2:00 to 6:00pm. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.