on the cover

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If you have ever visited King, there is a good chance you have heard of Mitchell’s Nursery. Tucked away not far out of town, Mitchell’s Nursery has become a staple in the Yadkin Valley for trees, shrubs, seasonal bedding plants and vegetables. The biggest spectacular of the year is the display of thousands of poinsettias in color at Christmas followed by Easter’s bright blooms of geraniums, mums, Easter lilies and azaleas. At the helm of the Mitchell’s ship is the matriarch of it all: Judy Mitchell. She is a sharp business woman who is active in the community and in her church. The business she and her family have built would not have come this far if she hadn’t stayed the course. There were many obstacles thrown in her way and she

Judy Mitchell

D. Ellen Kincer

never wavered. Husband Jim had a period of uncontrolled epileptic seizures. During this time Judy and Jay were helping him navigate this frightening period in life and the nursery kept going. Thankfully, brain surgery was the cure, and Jim hasn’t had much trouble since. Then, Judy’s mother fell ill and it was necessary to bring her to work with her. Juggling family and work has been extreme at times for this lady and she never falters.

Generosity and caring lie beneath a durable exterior. Opening seasonal jobs to those who may be having trouble getting back in to the workforce or getting in to it for the first time. Making a pathway to other employment in the future, she says, “The first step is always the hardest.” Judy is willing to help make that first step. She makes donations regularly for fundraisers and has been known to help an employee when the need is present. She finds the time somehow to attend events for her four granddaughters and doctor appointments with Jim. She, Jim and son Jay, give blood regularly, which may seem like a small thing, but to someone who needs it, it is a blessing of life.

When you think of the people of the Yadkin Valley, you naturally picture strength in the face of adversity and success in times that failure might be looming. They dig in. They persevere and remain standing through the strongest storms. The area is represented by a myriad of stories. Every one of them a story of strength and hope. Judy is a perfect representation of all that is the Yadkin Valley area. If you have been blessed by her presence on earth you know how truly strong and business savvy she really is. If you have never met her in person, her story, the things that tried to defeat her, the things that should have blocked her path to success only made her stronger.

Do not misunderstand me, the entire family is deeply involved but the strength and backbone are definitely hers to claim—a definite icon and role model for her granddaughters. Women sometimes don’t get the credit due and rarely ask for it. Her belief in God is strong and her family ties are just as strong.

Speaking from this writer’s point of view, Judy deserves far more accolades than she will ever receive. Just like too many women in business—women work silently to build an empire. I just wanted to toot her horn since she won’t toot her own!