Katherine Nicholson Mitchell | Eastern NC Now

    Reverend Dr. Katherine Nicholson Mitchell, 80, of Washington, North Carolina, and Silver Bay, New York, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 15, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children.

    Katherine was born in Washington, North Carolina, on Christmas Eve, 1945, to the late John L. Nicholson and Katherine H. Nicholson. At the age of eight, she moved with her family to Rocky Mount where she and her brothers caused mischief around town. In her twenties, she ventured to larger cities along the East Coast (including Downtown Atlanta and the Upper East Side of New York), eventually settling in Boston after meeting her beloved husband, Sandy. Together, they built a life in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where they raised their three children.

    Answering a deep call to serve, Katherine furthered her education and earned her Doctor of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School. She dedicated 23 years as a hospital chaplain at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where she provided compassionate care to more than 25,000 patients. During her tenure, she co-led the Ethics Committee, mentored students, and officiated numerous funerals and weddings for patients and their families.

    Katherine was ordained as a Deacon in 2004 and continued her ministry in several churches throughout the Boston area, finding a spiritual home at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown, Massachusetts.

    In retirement, Katherine and Sandy divided their time between Washington, North Carolina, and Silver Bay, New York. She cherished summers on the water and enjoyed time on the golf course, where she formed many new friendships and was known for her long drives.

    In 2022, continuing her call to the ministry, Katherine was ordained as a priest. She faithfully served St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Washington) and as a supply priest to numerous congregations, including, St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Bath), St. James Episcopal Church (Belhaven), St. John's Episcopal Church (Grifton), and the Church of the Cross (Ticonderoga, New York), among others. She continued in this role until mid-December, when declining health required her to step back from active ministry.

    Katherine is survived by her husband of 51 years, Albert "Sandy" Mitchell; their three children, Blake Mitchell (Joseph LaPointe), Albert "Albie" Mitchell (Andréa Mitchell), and Stewart Mitchell (Julia Mitchell); and their three grandsons, Nicholson, Teddy, and Maxwell. She was preceded in death by her brothers Samuel Timothy Nicholson, Thomas Nicholson, and her twin brother, John Nicholson.

    A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 101 North Bonner Street, Washington, North Carolina.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, with "Financial Assistance Program (FAP) - in memory of Katherine Mitchell" noted in the memo line.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Mitchell family.