Iris Hodgskins Mitchell

Iris Mitchell of Crestview, Florida passed away Wednesday, 18 August, 2021 at the age of 86.  She was born on a RAF airbase near Grantham, Lincolnshire, England on 18 August, 1935.  The second child of Arthur Stanley Hodgskins and Doris Cooper, Iris’s early childhood was defined by the tumultuous events of World War II that affected her family and the nation.  She was educated at the Kesteven Girls’ School of Grantham earning a GSC.

Iris, a lifelong fan of American country music, met James L. Mitchell, an American Airforce airman and true Texan in 1964.  They began a relationship resulting in marriage in December of 1966 and remained inseparable for the following fifty-five years.  Stationed at various posts throughout the USA, England, and Germany, they eventually retired to the Northwest Florida gulf coast.  Proudly British, Iris remained a UK citizen until death and a member of the Anglican Church of England.

From her early years as a professional seamstress, Iris maintained her hobbies of sewing and knitting, fabricating many dresses and home decorations along with sweaters for close friends and family.  Following the birth of her two sons, Iris was a full-time military spouse and homemaker, devoting her time to the well-being of family and friends.  Alongside her husband, Iris planned and built numerous additions and improvements to the family home.  Throughout her life, Iris adopted and cared for many pet dogs, cats, rabbits and rescued animals.  As an avid gardener, Iris devoted herself to transforming the homestead into a proper English flower garden.

Iris was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Arthur S. Hodgskins, along with her elder brother Arthur Hodgskins II.  She is survived by husband of 55 years James L. Mitchell; sons Steven D. Mitchell and Keith W. Mitchell; sister Alvyn Flowers; nephews Shaun and wife Thu Flowers, Jason and wife Amanda Flowers, Christopher Hodgskins and niece Jennifer Towers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com.

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