We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Loretta Denise Mitchell on April 16, 2026, at her home in Port Hueneme, California.

Loretta was born on July 16, 1961, in Houston Texas to Earl Mitchell Jr. and Leola Wilma (Collins) Mitchell. Baptized at a young age, she was an active member of the Naval Base Port Hueneme Chapel and also attended Evangelistic Missionary Baptist Church in Port Hueneme. A graduate of Hueneme High School, Class of 1979, Loretta attended Texas Southern University for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Army. She served from August 1981 to October,1990, achieving the rank of Sergeant and serving honorably as a Computer Machine Operator. Her tours included the U.S. Army Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

In 1990 Loretta welcomed her son. Malcolm, who was her pride and greatest joy. After leaving the Army, she began a distinguished 27-year career in Civil Service as a Human Resources Specialist with the Naval Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, where she served with dedication and integrity.

Loretta was preceded in death by; her father Master Chief Earl Mitchell Jr. and brothers, Dennis Earl Mitchell, and Rufus Earl Vann. Survived by her son Malcolm Mitchell, grandchildren Zaveya, Zacari, and Zyaire; her mother Leola Mitchell; sister Lisa (Stevie) Span; nieces Vanetta, Stormy, Summer, Samiah, Kyra, and Brittany; nephews Jamar, Bryce, and Donovan; and great-nieces and great nephew Jada, Elijah, and Aziah.