Dr. Don Quinton Mitchell, 82, physician and state medical leader, died on September 19, 2024.

Don was born on August 11, 1942 to Quinton Allan and Doyce Stallings Mitchell in the Mississippi Delta. Don called Cleveland, Mississippi his hometown, and it was at Cleveland High School where teachers and coaches encouraged his academic and athletic abilities.

Don’s intellect and his football and baseball prowess brought him to Jackson and Millsaps College. Millsaps was also where he met his wife of 60 years, Mary Sue McDonnell Mitchell. Upon seeing her at the student union, he confidently declared he would marry her, a promise he kept. Their shared leadership and involvement on campus made them a perfect match, as they were known affectionately as “the old man” and the “old lady.” Don stayed devoted to Millsaps throughout his life, serving on the Board of Trustees, as President of the Alumni Association, and as Chair of the Parents Council. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and received the Jim Livesay Service Award.

In 1963, Don entered the School of Medicine of the University of Mississippi Medical Center via a U.S. Air Force early entry program. He graduated from UMMC in 1967. This led to 24 years of combined service in the Air Force and the Mississippi Air National Guard, where he earned multiple commendations. Retiring with the rank of Brigadier General from the Guard was one of Don’s proudest accomplishments.

Don and Mary Sue settled in Jackson in 1975, and Don joined the Mississippi Asthma and Allergy Clinic. There, Don knew no strangers. Whether his patients were schoolchildren or future governors, he treated them with friendliness and compassion. Indeed, many of his patients said he was their favorite doctor. He understood that a comforting bedside manner was a critical part of the doctor-patient relationship and that kind words play a role in healing.

Don had a heart for service. He held leadership positions at the local, regional, and national levels. He served as President of the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (ACCAI) and as President of its Foundation Board. He was recognized by the ACAAI with the Distinguished Service Award and Distinguished Fellow Award. He also served as President of the UMMC Alumni Association, was on the UMMC Admissions Committee, and was chair of the UMMC Momentum Campaign. He was a delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation Board; chair of the AMA Southeastern Delegation; a fellow of the American College of Physicians; President of the Central Medical Society of Mississippi; and President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He served on the Board of Directors for Jackson Preparatory School and the Country Club of Jackson and was a member of the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board at Christ United Methodist Church. He was a dedicated volunteer at places like the Jackson Zoo, Goodwill, Stewpot, and Habitat for Humanity.