Franchi Antonio Tines Mitchell

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | June 13, 2020

Franchi Antonio Tines Mitchell transitioned peacefully in his sleep into the presence of the Lord on June 1, 2020. He was the second son born in McKeesport, PA on December 12, 1963, to Thelma Jean Tines and Frank Ross.

At the age of four, he received his call to preach. At five, he started singing with his brother Deryck with their mother as she traveled and played for the mount olive baptist church in Clairton, Pa. They were nicknamed “French Fries and Ketchup.” He was fathered and pastored by the late Bishop George F. Mitchell, who also baptized him and encouraged him to play the drums as our first drummer in Freedom, PA. Franchi, himself was a follower of Christ and was a founding and lifelong member of the Free Holiness Church of Deliverance. He graduated from Duquesne High School in 1981 desiring to be an accountant. He attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio for Accounting and Business Management on a full baseball scholarship. He was an amazing shortstop and team player who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers.

In 1981, he became the proud father of his first child, Nikkia Boyd. She is the first of all of the grandchildren. He later married Carmen Johnson, and they have remained friends until his death. In the early 1990’s, Franchi moved to Virginia where he met Daphne Patten, his companion of his last 28 years. To this union were born two sons, Franchi Antonio Jr. and Fahrraan Mitchell.

He leaves to mourn his children-Nikki, Franchi and Fahrraan, Companion, Daphne Patten, mother-Bishop Thelma Jean Mitchell, brothers, the Reverend Deryck Tines Mitchell, Pittsburgh, PA, Psalmist George and Phoenix Mitchell of Orlando, Florida, Pastors Andre and Tamia Mitchell, McKeesport, PA, Pastors Theodore and Tanya Mitchell of West Mifflin, PA. Sister, Rema Webb of New York City, Two Grandchildren K’Ladjze Boyd and John Creach Jr, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and family.

Franchi, We will see you in the morning as you have now joined our ancestors Theodore and Elsie Tines, George F Mitchell, Sr, William Tines, James Tines and so many others. Take your rest son, brother, father, and friend - your struggle in this life is over. Good Night

Originally published June 13, 2020.

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