Eleanor Madeline (McCarra) Mitchell Birdsong
June 2, 1917 - January 28, 2016
Eleanor Madeline, 98, was born, June 2, 1917, in Pine Bluff, AR. She was the sixth of seven children to Sidney and Eleanor McCarra. Although growing up she preferred to be called Madeline, later in life was lovingly nicknamed Geem because her eldest grandson found trouble pronouncing Grandma as a toddler. The nickname stuck and most only referred to her as Geem. Madeline married Zenno F. Mitchell, Dec 26, 1935, in Pine Bluff and had a daughter. Later the family relocated to Houston, TX and they welcomed two sons. Madeline lost Zenno March 2, 1970 after 35 years of marriage. Madeline was blessed to find love again and married Jack C. Birdsong. They were married 37 years until his passing in 2007. Madeline was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, all her siblings, grandson, Rick Staudt, and granddaughter, Laura Staudt. She is survived by daughter Barbara Ann (Rudy) Staudt; sons Robert (Jeri) Mitchell and Glenn (Marsha) Mitchell; Grandchildren, Kelly Staudt (Rick’s wife), Chris (Amy) Staudt, Melissa (Jacob) Mitchell-Guajardo, Brooks (Brittney) Wallace, Michelle (Demetrice) Bernard, Richard (Lori) Mitchell, and Rachel (Mark) Hewlett; 19 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass celebrating Madeline’s life will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow in the Community Center on the church grounds. Madeline will be laid to rest in Memorial Oaks Cemetery following the reception. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave online tributes.
Eleanor Madeline, 98, was born, June 2, 1917, in Pine Bluff, AR. She was the sixth of seven children to Sidney and Eleanor McCarra. Although growing up she preferred to be called Madeline, later in life was lovingly nicknamed Geem because... View Obituary & Service Information