Nobuko Yamamura Mitchell

Nobuko “Nanci” Mitchell passed away peacefully in South Carolina on February 28, 2026, with family by her side, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Charles Mitchell.

Born during World War II to Japanese-American parents, Nanci spent her early childhood in post-war Japan before coming to the United States as a teenager. She settled in Homestead, Florida, where she graduated from South Dade High School. After attending beauty school, she became a talented beautician and eventually owned and operated her own salon. Nanci was devoted to her clients who looked forward each Christmas to the dozens of homemade cookies she lovingly baked. She also gave freely of her time and skills to a local funeral home, never accepting payment for helping families in their time of need.

Nanci will be remembered for her devotion to family, her caring nature, and her unwavering generosity. A tireless worker with a selfless spirit, she cared deeply for her entire family and always placed others before herself.

A lifelong animal lover, Nanci had a special heart for cats and found great joy in caring for the neighborhood felines. She recently moved to South Carolina to be closer to family and was happy to begin a new chapter surrounded by their love.

Nanci was the youngest of five children and is survived by two older sisters, Teruko Oka and Amy Ho, two older brothers, Herbert (Anna) and Robert (Mitsuko) Yamamura, two stepsons and their families, Charles (Kim) Mitchell, Jr and Greg (Pam) Mitchell, and many nieces, nephews, and their families, who loved her dearly and will forever remember her generous spirit, her knowing smile, and her all-encompassing love.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC