The enduring legacy of Cynthia Woods Mitchell at 100

Austin (September 24, 2022)— The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Cynthia Woods Mitchell, presenting an opportunity to reflect on her contributions to her family and foundation and the remarkable life and legacy of a Texas icon, lover of the arts, and philanthropist.

Cynthia was humble—but she was a force. She was dedicated to her family and community, and, throughout her life, she set a sterling example by treating all people with dignity and grace and inspiring all around her to envision a world that could be.

Click here for a commentary on Cynthia Woods Mitchell’s enduring legacy >

On Thanksgiving 1941, she met Lieutenant George Mitchell while traveling by train from College Station to Houston. At the height of World War II, Captain George Mitchell and Cynthia Woods were married by an Army chaplain in a double wedding with her twin sister and brother-in-law on October 31, 1943.  

For the next six decades—joyfully filled by 10 children and 23 grandchildren—Cynthia and George’s partnership helped transform the Houston area and nation with visionary initiatives and ventures.

She passed away on December 27, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

“It is the enduring legacy of Cynthia Woods Mitchell—our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—that ignites our emotions and anchors our convictions as to why we do what we do,” C. Grant Mitchell, the foundation’s board chair, said on behalf of the Mitchell family. 

“Cynthia was a wellspring of inspiration for all of us. Her belief in human equality and respect for all people is a bountiful legacy that is more relevant today than ever. Her driving force and influence motivate our deeply felt commitments to social justice, educational equality, the arts, environmental protection, and historic preservation.”

                                                                # #

For more information
Brett Holmes
brett@brettholmes.com
(713) 244-4178
713) 244-4178

< Go Back