Shawn Mitchell

Aug 31, 1997 -

Mar 14, 2023

Shawn Carter Mitchell (Makigaq), beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 25.

Shawn Carter was born on Aug. 31, 1997, at Kanakanak hospital in Dillingham. He spent the first year of his life in his parent's hometown of Naknek, before moving to Anchorage then Palmer, Alaska.

From a young age Carter had a passion for adventure. Carter was an avid fisherman in Bristol Bay and enjoyed fishing with his father, grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He started playing hockey at the age of 4. He was on the varsity hockey team all four years of high school and graduated from Dimond High in 2016. Following high school, he briefly lived and played junior league hockey in Montana. After returning home to Alaska, he began working construction jobs and was a dedicated employee, putting in as many hours as possible, often working weekends.

Shawn Carter enjoyed being outdoors, riding snowmachines and four-wheelers, beach combing and looking for agates. He loved the company of his family and friends more than anything and was always fun to laugh with, as he had the ability to find the humor in just about anything. Carter was kind, compassionate, humble, friendly and accepting of all. He was charismatic, playful, protective of his loved ones and a big brother figure to both his younger siblings and also his little cousins. His gentle soul and beautiful spirit will continue to live on forever.

He is survived by those who loved him most including his mother, Marcia Clemons (Blaine); father, Shawn Mitchell (Christi); sister, Kaylyn McGraw (Justin); brothers, Kale Mitchell and Gauge Clemons; and sisters, Ashley Jenkins, Shelby Jenkins and Michaela Hall. Carter is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Guy and Darlene Groat; paternal grandparents, Herbert "Mitch" and Susan Mitchell; paternal aunts, Loretta Smith (Joe), Lynette Elkins (Dave), Leah Kocienda (Joe); uncle, Shane (Tracy) Mitchell; and maternal aunts, Bridget Groat (Jimmy), Adele Rahman (Junaid), Casey Groat (Abel) and Lynsey Groat (Christopher). Shawn Carter was also cherished and loved by extended family and numerous cousins and friends whom cared for him deeply. He is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandmother, Akelena Holstrom; maternal great-grandmother, Alma Ivanoff; maternal great-great-grandma, Agnes Estrada; and maternal great-uncle, Charles Groat.

The Clemons, Mitchell and Groat families wish to thank all who have reached out in generous loving support and prayers during this difficult and tragic time. We would also like to recognize the generosity of Knik Tribe and Bristol Bay Native Corporation.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations be sent to Knik Tribe, P.O. Box 871565, Wasilla, AK 99687, for the Shawn Carter fund.