Ella Mitchell Holt obit

Ella Mitchell Holt Obituary

 

She was not on the list.

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we the family of Ella Mitchell Holt announce her passing on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the age of 88. Ella, among her many accomplishments, was the founder of The Gospel Allstars, recorded with the legendary Gospel Singer Rosetta Tharpe and Rev James Cleveland. She toured with Harry Belafonte and performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for forty-five years.

Mitchell is most recognized for playing the comic role as Hattie Mae Pierce (Big Momma) in the 2000 comedy film Big Momma's House and Evillene the evil witch in the Broadway theatre revival production of the musical The Wiz.

Mitchell was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, on September 14, 1935.

Mitchell appeared in the 1975 film Lord Shango. She assumed the role of Evillene when The Wiz revived on Broadway in 1984. She reprised the role again when the show was on tour in 1992.

Mitchell was a member of The Gospel All Stars and The Bradford Singers, and performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 30 years.

In September 2000, Mitchell was one of a "multicultural" array of artists—including Jojo Mayer, Hyung-ki Joo, Luoyong Wang, Gilles Chiasson, and Angela Covington—performing at Madison Square Garden's Paramount Theatre as part of the "Peace, Health and Prosperity Concert" that concluded the United Nations Millennium Summit.

She touched the lives of so many who will hold very fond memories of her.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 16, 2024, at the Glorious Church of God & Christ, on 363 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233, with a viewing at 3 p.m., and the service at 6 p.m.

Funeral services are arranged by Owens Funeral Home, at 216 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY,

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for all of the outpouring expressions of sympathy and condolences, which shows how much Ella was deeply loved and appreciated.

At this time, please allow the family privacy. We thank you.

 

Filmography

Year     Title            Role            Notes

1973    Sesame Street   Herself            2 episodes

1975    Lord Shango Lead singer            Uncredited

2000    Big Momma's House  Hattie Mae Pierce (Big Momma)            (final film role)