Helen Florence 'Flo' Mitchell

Helen Florence “Flo” Kennedy-Mitchell was born November 21, 1932. Flo received her Bachelor and Master Degrees from Tennessee State University and completed courses at The Ohio State University. Flo entered education at the age of 19 as a teacher in Chattanooga, Tennessee’s school system; later relocating to Toledo, Ohio to serve as middle school teacher and Vice Principal. As Director of Teacher Aides, she was fundamental in developing the “Teach Core” program at the University of Toledo in the 70’s. Later she moved to Columbus, Ohio to work for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission; eventually joined and retired from Columbus Public Schools as a reading specialist and member of Staff Development and Human Relations Team. During the Civil Rights movement, Flo joined the committee to help bail out those arrested for “sitting-in” throughout the south. Her efforts were later recognized by Co-Chairpersons Rosa Parks and Morris Dees on October 25, 2001 by having her name placed on the Wall of Tolerance in Birmingham, Al. Flo was a faithful and proud member of the AKA Sorority and past President of the Topnotchers, Inc. She was predeceased by her mother, father and daughter, Tina (mother of Jovon and Price). She leaves to cherish precious memories her husband of 44 years, Leon; son, Todd; and grandsons, Jovon and Price; sister, Mattie Brown of Warren, OH; brother, T.B. Kennedy, of Sacremento, CA; cousin, Helen K. Wright, Chicago, IL; and special nephew, Dana; nieces, Karen and Judy Montgomery. Special thanks for support to longtime friend, Barbara “Jeanne” Watkins; niece, Christy Montgomery, and adopted daughter, Tammy Bryant and all of “Mommy Flo’s boys” (you know who you are).