Ptasha Rena Mitchner

With profound sadness, yet hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Ptasha Rena Mitchner, affectionately known to so many as "Mama Dukes," who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 25, 2026, in Saginaw, Michigan. Born on August 5, 1965, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Carol Smith and Charles Mitchner, Tasha was raised between Memphis, Tennessee, and Saginaw, Michigan. She attended Saginaw High School and Ruben Daniels, where she built lifelong friendships and cherished memories. As the oldest of "The Fabulous Five," she naturally became the protector of her sisters, fiercely loving and defending her family throughout her life.

Though she stood just 5 feet tall, Mama Dukes proved every day that strength isn't measured by stature. Fearless, fiercely loyal, and protective of those she loved. She was a true ride-or-die who never hesitated to stand up for her family, her friends, or what she believed was right. Yet behind that toughness was one of the biggest hearts anyone could ever know. She was a woman of privacy, integrity, compassion, and unwavering loyalty who welcomed everyone with open arms and made everyone feel like family.

For more than thirty years, Tasha shared an enduring love with the love of her life, Preston Ellis. Above all, she was a devoted mother to Reco Smith, Kewona Mitchner, Tierney Mitchner, and Deonte Mitchner, who were the center of her world. She spoke with her children daily, especially her daughters, Kewona and Tierney. Almost every conversation ended with the words that became her signature: "I love you, baby." She dedicated many years to serving others through the medical and hospitality fields as well as volunteering at churches, soup kitchens, and community centers, believing no act of kindness was ever too small. Her servant's heart and unconditional love became one of the greatest legacies she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

She loved watching her shows, traveling, shopping, cooking meals that brought family together, and filling her home with beautiful candles, perfumes, laughter, and love. She will always be remembered for her signature Halle Berry haircut, timeless beauty, radiant smile, youthful spirit, and the joy she brought into every room she entered.

Tasha was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Annie Smith; her loving mother, Carol Smith; her aunt, Orga Mae; uncles, Roy, Guy Jr., and Bubba Smith; her beloved sister, Sevegia "Segy" Mitchner; and her treasured nephews, Adonis Mitchner and Sylvester Lawson III.

Tasha leaves to cherish her beautiful memory the love of her life, Preston Ellis; her father, Charles Mitchner; her stepmother, Dale Mitchner; her sisters Debbie (Derrick) Martin, Charlena (Craig) Stevens, Karen Mitchner, and stepsister Tosha Mitchner; her devoted children Reco (LaNeisha) Smith, Kewona Mitchner, Tierney Mitchner, and Deonte Mitchner; her grandchildren De'Andre, Kaine, Dtavion, Neko, Lageci’, Reco Jr., Jakoby, Maddyson, Major, and Deonte Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Draylin and O'Marie; her special friend of more than thirty years, Sandra Dillard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the Ellis, Sangster, Martin, Green, Gibbs, and Burton families, whose unwavering love and support made them family in every sense of the word.

Though our hearts are broken, Mama Dukes leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, fearless strength, unwavering loyalty, and selfless service. Mom, thank you for every sacrifice, every prayer, every meal, every hug, every laugh, every lesson, every act of protection, and every phone call that ended with "I love you, baby." You were our protector, our biggest cheerleader, our safe place, our ride or die, and forever our Queen. As we say goodbye, we can still hear your beautiful voice saying the words that will forever live in our hearts. Today, Mama Dukes, we say those same words back to you: We love you, Baby. Always and forever. Until we meet again.

"Her children arise and call her blessed." – Proverbs 31:28