Barry Jeffrey Mitchell

Barry Mitchell entered eternal rest on December 17, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Barry was born on April 28, 1965, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to the late Thomas and Sarah Caffee-Mitchell. He was the youngest of nine siblings and was affectionately known as the “baby” of the family.

Barry Mitchell emerged as an exceptional basketball talent at First Colonial High School, where he stood out as a 6’5”, 180-pound forward. During his high school career, he earned All-District, All-Tidewater, All-Region, and Honorable Mention All-State honors, establishing himself as one of the area’s premier players. He was later inducted into the First Colonial High School Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Barry attended Norfolk State University on a full basketball scholarship. During his collegiate career, he was a three-time All-CIAA selection (1985–1987) and played a pivotal role in clinching two CIAA Championships with the Spartans (1984 and 1986). Barry’s first love was baseball. He had the opportunity to go pro but chose to attend Norfolk State University.

After college, Barry took his talents to the professional ranks, playing in the World Basketball League (WBL) and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where his impact was undeniable. He was a two-time WBL Champion and Most Valuable Player (1989, 1990) and a three-time WBL All-Defensive Team selection (1988–1990). In 1992, he earned both CBA Most Valuable Player and CBA Defensive Player of the Year honors; was the CBA Steals Leader; a member of the All-CBA First Team and the CBA All-Defensive Team; and later a CBA Champion (1994)—an exceptional dual achievement that highlighted his all-around excellence.

Barry later continued his professional career overseas in Belgium, where he both played and coached competitively. He became the all-time leading scorer in the history of Belgian basketball and earned MVP and All-Defensive Player honors, along with being a three-time All-Star. He was a Belgian League Champion (1995) and a two-time Belgian Cup winner (1997, 1998). He holds the record for most championships won and was the oldest active player in league history. In 2022, he was inducted into the Hampton Roads Old School Legends Hall of Fame.

Barry eventually returned to the United States, where he found a passion for working with troubled youth at Foundation to Success, LLC. He dedicated his time to mentoring and being a positive influence on children throughout the Hampton Roads area. In his free time, he volunteered faithfully with Ice4Life Foundation, Inc., assisting with community service projects. He also volunteered at basketball clinics to help develop critical skills and spent time refereeing basketball games.

Barry also loved attending Phoebus High School football games. You would find he and Stephanie on the 50-yard line at every home game. He also enjoyed attending Norfolk State football games, especially Homecoming, where he enjoyed tailgating with friends and former teammates. Barry was also blessed to attend the MEAC Basketball Tournament every year. One of Barry’s most prideful moments was when his son, Ajay, was drafted in the second round to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal was even sweeter when OKC won the NBA Championship during Ajay’s rookie season, and Barry was there to witness the ring ceremony.

Barry was a devoted member of Bethel AME Church, where he enjoyed fellowship with his fellow male parishioners.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Sarah Caffee-Mitchell; his sister, Jacqueline Blount; and his brothers, Michael Mitchell and Kevin Mitchell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Mitchell; daughters Ashley Williamson (Kalem), Alexis Steinbach (Derek), and Evonna Johnson (Darin); bonus daughters Alexys Jenkins (Victor) and Morghan Jenkins; sons Barry Mitchell Jr., Elliott Black (Brooke), and Ajay Mitchell; and his grandchildren Arlivia, Koi, Kaysyn, Maya, Zander, Dietrich, Kenzo, Caleb, Alianna, and Dakota.

He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Owens, Betty Woodhouse (Eddie), Cynthia Short, Lisa Givens (Kenneth), Robin Hubbard (Terrance), and Keith Mitchell, and special sister-in-love Rhonda Mitchell; his mother-in-love, Barbara Wright (Walter); siblings-in-love Sharon Hall (Randall), Tony Wright (Phyllis), and Taneka Seldon; his former wife and friend, Sherry Trent-Mitchell (Will); his best friends Thomas Draughn, Chad Gatlin, and Delano James; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

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