Elizabeth City, N.C. – While other middle schoolers played video games or rode bikes after school, Aubrey H. J. Mitchell lined up toy cars for funeral processions and pulled grocery carts like caskets. He didn’t see it as play—it was preparation.
At just 12 years old, Mitchell knew he wanted to be a funeral director. He watched how they moved through churches with poise, comforting grieving families as if they had known the deceased their whole lives. It struck him deeply. “I thought, ‘I can do that,’” he recalled.
On the day he graduated from middle school—still dressed in his suit—his mother took him to the funeral home and introduced him to the profession that would become his life’s calling. “From there,” he said, “the rest is history.”
Today, Mitchell is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, co-owner of Mitchell Funeral Care and Cremations, husband, father of five and now an Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) graduate. This weekend, he walked across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and entrepreneurship. This feat reflects more than academic strength. It’s a story of grit, grace and, according to Mitchell, “God’s timing.”
A Road Well-Traveled
Mitchell’s path to ECSU wasn’t traditional. After earning his associate’s degree, he wasn’t sure a four-year degree would fit into his busy life. However, a conversation with Arlinda Halfacre, ECSU’s director of admissions, during homecoming changed his mind. “She really gave me my jump-start with being bold enough to apply,” he said.
As a native of Elizabeth City, Mitchell felt like it was only right that he joined the Viking family. He saw ECSU not just as a school but a continuation of family tradition, as several members of his family attended the university—including his father and younger sister, Tia J. Smith, who also graduated this past weekend. “This is a great birthday and Mother’s Day gift to our mom, Paulette Smith,” Mitchell added.
But balancing full-time work as a mortician, active parenthood and in-person classes didn’t come without sacrifice. He faced a hard reality when ECSU transitioned back to on-campus instruction after COVID-19. Business students had to take a certain percentage of their classes in person. For someone used to online flexibility, it felt impossible.
“I immediately thought I’d have to switch majors,” Mitchell said. “But to God be the glory, it worked out tremendously.”
Despite the challenges, Mitchell thrived. He served as chaplain for the Lambda Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., played organ for ECSU’s Essence of Praise Gospel Choir, and maintained a strong academic standing, earning the Outstanding Junior in Business Administration Award in April 2024.
“You never know who’s watching,” he said. “That award meant the world to me.”
He even explored new creative territory through an internship that required him to create marketing materials using Canva. “That was completely different from what I normally do,” he said, “but I learned as I went.”
Behind every late-night assignment and every early morning service was a deep “why”: his faith and his family. “God and my family—that’s what kept me going,” Mitchell said. “Even when it felt like too much.”
Through it all, ECSU became more than a place of study. It became a space for transformation. Individuals like Reshema Combs—coordinator of transfer student advising; Ebere Oriaku—professor of business economics; Ngozi Oriaku—professor of management and entrepreneurship; Kim Scott—assistant professor of Business, Accounting and Sports Management; and Debjani Kanjali—professor and chair of the Department of Business, Accounting and Sports Management; and every faculty member in the business department encouraged him to grow and lead.
“They didn’t just teach us,” he said. “They made sure we became better.”
A Strong Finish
And now with cap, gown and degree in hand, Mitchell didn’t just close a chapter—he opened a new one. He plans to continue serving as a funeral director while remaining open to future opportunities, including earning his master’s degree or even teaching.
His advice to incoming students is simple: “If you can believe it, you can achieve it. Set a goal and stay committed to it. Never allow anyone to discourage you or steer you away from what you truly aspire to accomplish. Stay focused and see it through to the end.”
When asked to describe his ECSU journey in one word, Mitchell didn’t hesitate.
“Grateful,” he said. “I’m grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to complete my studies without reservation or setback.”
Mitchell didn’t just walk across the stage—he carried with him every funeral he’s served, every hug from his children at home, every midnight prayer, every push to keep going from his wife, and every chord played on the organ of the choirs he serves. His journey is a reminder that purpose starts early, and faith takes those who are determined to the finish line. This familiar face in times of grief is now the face of academic triumph.