Keith Mitchell

July 24, 1974 — July 1, 2026

#CarryTheLightforKeith

Join us July 24–25
in Dallas.

His greatest legacy was never football.
It was people.

We gather to celebrate the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Carlence “Keith” Mitchell, a cherished friend, teammate, colleague, and community member who brought an undeniable warmth and light into the lives of everyone he touched. To honor his journey and the profound impact he made, his family, friends, and community are warmly invited to come together for a series of memorial services and celebrations designed to reflect the love, joy, and peace he shared so freely with the world.

The remembrance begins on Friday, July 24, 2026, with a come-and-go visitation at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, located at 6300 South R. L. Thornton Freeway. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, all who knew and loved Keith are welcome to arrive at any time to pay their respects, offer comfort to one another, and find quiet moments of reflection.

In beautiful harmony with the visitation, the community will also gather that same evening to celebrate a special milestone: Keith’s birthday. From 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, we will host Carry the Light: A Birthday Homegoing Celebration Honoring Keith Mitchell in his hometown of Garland, Texas. This unique gathering is designed to keep his vibrant spirit alive through the things that bring peace and connection—featuring family-friendly music, yoga, guided meditation, personal reflections, and community fellowship. The evening will culminate in a symbolic “Carry the Light” ceremony to honor this proud Garland native. Attendees are asked to dress comfortably and bring their deepest love, their favorite memories, and their own unique light. While the exact location in Garland is currently being finalized, updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

The tribute continues on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with the Celebration of Life and Legacy Memorial Service at First Baptist Church Sunnyvale, located at 3018 North Belt Line Road in Sunnyvale, Texas. Church doors will open at 10:00 AM, with the formal service beginning at 11:00 AM. Guests are respectfully encouraged to arrive early to ensure peaceful seating as we prepare to honor his incredible journey. Immediately following the service, Keith will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, located at 3900 Rowlett Road in Rowlett, Texas.

To close this sacred weekend of remembrance, everyone is invited to join the family for a warm reception and repast to share food, laughter, and fellowship. This gathering will take place following the burial at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, located at 680 US-80 in Mesquite, Texas.

For those who wish to extend their support and ensure Keith’s vital spark continues to change lives, the family gratefully welcomes contributions to carry on his mission. In lieu of traditional tributes, please consider making a contribution through our Legacy Donation Page, where all gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Together, let us carry his light forward.

FRIDAY, JULY 24 — HIS BIRTHDAY

Visitation

4:00–8:00 PM (come-and-go)

Laurel Land Funeral Home
6300 S. R. L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, TX 75232

Directions →

Carry the Light
Birthday Celebration

Doors: 6:45PM — Event: 7:00PM

Audobon Recreation Center
342 W. Oates Rd.,  Garland, TX

Music, yoga, guided meditation, reflections, fellowship, and a symbolic ceremony. Dress comfortably.

RSVP here →

Directions →

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Celebration of Life & Legacy
Memorial Service

Doors and Viewing: 10:00AM —10:50AM
Service: 11:00AM

Sunnyvale First Baptist Church
3018 N. Belt Line Rd., Sunnyvale, TX 75182

Please arrive early for viewing and seating. Casket will close after family arrives.

Directions →

Burial

Immediately following.

Sacred Heart Cemetery
3900 Rowlett Rd., Rowlett, TX 75088

Directions →

Reception & Repass

Following the burial.

Family and invited guests only. Food will be served.

Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church
680 US-80, Mesquite, TX 75149

Directions →

Four Ways to Carry the Light

Support The Keith Mitchell Legacy Initiative.

Give

Submit a memory, photo, video, or tribute.

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Purchase The Mindfulness Mastery Playbook.

READ

Take the 24-Minute Pause Pledge for July 24.

PRACTICE

24-Minute Pause Pledge

24 MINUTES · JULY 24 · ANYWHERE

On July 24th, Keith would have turned 52. Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to pause for 24 minutes. Meditate. Pray. Reflect. Or simply sit in gratitude.

Keith never claimed he could fix or heal anyone. He believed healing was something you choose. Twenty-four minutes is a small way to practice what he spent his life teaching.

Anytime that day. Anywhere you are. One global moment of peace, in his honor.

I’m Taking the Pledge

    Yes, keep me informed about future Carry the Light programs and The Keith Mitchell Legacy Initiative.

    43 people have pledged to pause for Keith.

    The Keith Mitchell Legacy
    Initiative

    Some people are remembered for what they accomplished. Keith Mitchell will be remembered for how he made people feel. Whether you knew him as an NFL Pro Bowler, an author, a speaker, a yoga teacher, a mindfulness guide, a mentor, a father, a son, a brother, or simply a friend, one thing remained constant throughout his life.

    Cheez Foundation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly serves as the official fiscal sponsor of The Keith Mitchell Legacy Initiative. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.