Edith Mitchell, a retired Brigadier general of the United States Air Force and an oncologist, passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 84.

Edith was a clinical professor of medicine and medical oncology at Thomas Jefferson University and the president of the National Medical Association.

She was also a member of the President’s Cancer Panel and the director of the Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities at Jefferson Health’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.

She conducted research into pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and other gastrointestinal malignancies.

It involved new drug evaluation and chemotherapy, the development of new therapeutic regimens, chemoradiation strategies for modality therapy, patient selection criteria, and supportive care.

She also worked to eliminate cancer disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, rural populations, and other underserved groups.

Edith Mitchell Obituary: Family Mourns The Loss

A memorial service for Edith Mitchell was held on January 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Brownsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edith P. Mitchell Cancer Research Fund at Thomas Jefferson University.

Mitchell is survived by her husband Delmar, whom she married in 1968, her two children, four grandchildren, and seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. 

The pioneer was born in 1948 and raised in Brownsville, Tennessee, during a time of racial segregation in the United States.

She was one of 12 children who grew up on a farm and dreamed of becoming a doctor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Tennessee State University.

She joined the United States Air Force while attending VCU School of Medicine, where she was the only black female in attendance.

She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Meharry Medical College and became a hematologist at the Andrews Air Force Base.

Mitchell had a distinguished military career, serving as Missouri Surgeon General, initiating a military women’s health program, and participating in setting guidelines for transporting sick or wounded soldiers in military aircraft.

In 2001, Mitchell became the first African-American female to be promoted to Brigadier general in the Missouri Air National Guard. She retired from the Air Force in 2005 after 30 years of service.

Edith joined the medicine and medical oncology faculty at Thomas Jefferson University and became the associate director of Diversity Programs for the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson.

Edith Mitchell Death Cause: How Did She Die?

According to her family, Mitchell suddenly collapsed and died at her home in Philadelphia. 

She continued to work and teach until her health deteriorated in late 2023. Mitchell was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away.

Mitchell was an inspiration to many people who admired her courage, resilience, and dedication to improving cancer care and outcomes for all patients.

She will be remembered as a trailblazer and a pioneer in oncology and military medicine.

Mitchell received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to clinical and academic medicine, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Control Award.

She was also awarded the National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award, the CancerCare Physician of the Year Award, and the Philadelphia County Medical Society Practitioner of the Year Award.