Roderick Mitchell
May 15, 1974 – September 29, 2025

Obituary:

Roderick Mitchell was born on May 15, 1971, in San Francisco, California, to Mary Avery. He was raised in the heart of Third Ward, Houston, Texas, under the loving guidance of his mother and grandmother, Annie Lee, whose strength and wisdom helped shape the man he would become.

 Roderick graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1989, where he was a standout student-athlete, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines of the football team. His drive and determination carried him to Prairie View A&M University, where he majored in Business Administration and played football for the Prairie View Panthers from 1989 to 1993. While at PVAMU, Roderick joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, proudly becoming a member of the Delta Theta Chapter, where he embraced the fraternity’s principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.

 Roderick was deeply passionate about business, technology, and the stock market—fields in which he found endless inspiration and opportunity. He moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue new horizons, dedicating his career to companies such as American General, Apple, and most recently, Marriott International, where his professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike.

 Beyond his career, Roderick’s greatest pride was his family. He cherished his loved ones from the Mitchell, Baldwin, and Avery families, always ensuring that his warmth, humor, and wisdom were felt by all. He held a special place in his heart for his niece and nephews—Derek Avery, Jr., Madison Avery, and Bryce Avery—children of his younger brother, Derek Avery, Sr. Roderick also shared a deep and loving bond with his chosen family, Bridgette Bobiney and Joy Heart, whom he lovingly embraced as stepdaughters through their mother, Barbara Bobiney. Among those closest to his heart was his godson, Jamison, who brought him immense joy and pride and with whom he shared an unbreakable bond of love and mentorship.

 Roderick was preceded in heavenly acceptance by his beloved mother, Mary Avery, and grandmother, Annie Lee. He is remembered with profound love and admiration by his brother, family, fraternity brothers, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his generosity, wit, and unwavering faith.

 An active and dedicated member of the Sigma Kappa Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Williamson County, Texas, Roderick served as chapter secretary and played an instrumental role in bringing in new brothers, ensuring that the fraternity’s legacy of excellence and service would continue to thrive.

 Roderick Mitchell’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and the quiet strength of a man who believed in lifting others as he climbed. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

Memorial Services:
Saturday, October 18, 2025
11am
Holman Street Baptist Church
3501 Holman Street
Houston, TX 77004

Luncheon in Roderick’s Honor:
Saturday, October 18, 2025
12:30 – 2:30pm
Haven Memorial Funeral Home Southeast
6605 Schurmier Road
Houston, TX 77048

Interment:
Private Family Burial
Saturday, October 18, 2025
3:45pm
Wells Memorial Cemetery
Liberty, TX 77575