Mitchell worked in the timber industry. He was foreman at Kirby Lumber Mill in Honey Island, Texas.
Mitchell and Lela had 13 children.
On July 1, 1933 Lela died while giving birth to their 14th child. The baby also died. The older children helped their father take care of the younger children. The youngest child, Betty was only 15 months old when her mother died. Life was really hard on the children without a mother around. It got much worse three years later. On August 3, 1936 their father died of skin cancer.
Five very young sisters (ages 13, 12, 10, 7 & 3) and one brother not yet 6 years of age, were left behind to take care of each other. They managed with the help of their four older brothers, two older sisters and other family members. The children endured the hardships and loss by drawing close as a family. They each grew to become strong and loving adults.
This page is dedicated in remembrance of their loving parents: Mitchell & Lela Gandy.