Business owner, political activist, community leader, mentor, and teacher

Mary Ann Mitchell was born in Memphis Tennessee and was the second child of four girls and an older brother. After graduating from one of the most prestigious schools in Southern California, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Mitchell was afforded the opportunity to work for Hughes Aircraft as a manager. Soon, she was promoted as an Operations Manager of Information Technology where she acquired a lot of knowledge in design, acquisition, implementation and the operation of eight computer centers.

Because Mitchell envisioned herself establishing a business in technology, in 1985, she became the founder, president and the chief executive officer of The Computer Consulting Operations Specialist Inc (CC-OPS). This company eventually became the multi-million-dollar information technology consulting company within the past twenty-three years.

Two months ago, Mitchell was inducted into The National Association for Women Business Owners, which is the largest business award in the world, said business partner Helene Campbell.

However in 1990, she accepted a position as a chairperson of the Institute of the National Black Business Council (NBBC), which is a nonprofit organization that helps businesses gain access to contracts with the public and private sectors. Also, Mitchell mentored to youth in middle school and high school about breaking the cycle of negativity.

Nevertheless, Mitchell was actively involved in the Verizon Consumer Advisory Board, American Institute of Aeronautic Entrepreneurial Alliance, Leadership Committee and the USDA Graduate School. She was also appointed to the White House Conference on Small Business and the Small Business Administration Regional Regulatory Fairness Board by former United States President Bill Clinton. Not to mention, she was the former Chairperson of the Black Business Association in Los Angeles.

According to her obituary, Mitchell was a business owner, political activist, community leader, mentor, and teacher. She was constantly at the helm as a voice advocating for the partnership of government, education, and community for the success of small businesses. She was effective delivering opportunities for individuals and businesses to gain meaningful employment and long-term contracts.

Mary Ann Mitchell is survived by many family members: Joe Devine, Sr.; mother, Susie D. Franklin; children, Danette, Amarylis (Tony), Adrian (Cherie), Bianca and Joe 3; grandchildren, Tony Jr., Camryn, Chloe, Ryan, Arriona, Mia, and Laila; brother, James Franklin, (Angela); sisters, Peggy Ann Luckett (Norman), Shirley Ann Franklin, and Twona Franklin; godson, Joe Stiles; godsisters, LeCarrie Mason, Mary Alexander, and Roz Pennington; and a host of nieces, nephews and many other special relatives and loving friends.

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