Cassandra LeMoine Given

Cassandra L. (Mitchell) Given, 89, of Webster Springs, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025 at her home.

Born July 25, 1935 in Buckhannon, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Agatha (McCourt) Mitchell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Paugh (DP) “Sheriff” Given.

Cassandra was a proud member of the Webster Springs First United Methodist Church and the Democratic Executive Committee, and she devoted most of her life serving and educating the community about political views. She was a past Secretary and President of the Young Democratic Committee. Strongly committed to politics, she achieved the goal of holding many local offices, such as: Town of Addison Webster Springs Recorder, Chief of Police and Mayor for 14 years. She was selected as Delegate for the Democratic National Convention during the Watergate Scandal. Her devotion to the bettering of the community included her participation in many local organizations. She was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, the Webster Springs Women’s Club, Webster County Woodchopping Festival Board of Directors, and she was active in the local 4-H club, being a proud recipient of the 4-H Builder’s Pin. Cassandra was a founding member of the Conway House Ladies’ Lunch Club, that would meet regularly for drinks, lunch, and social hour.

As an addition to her dedication to her community, she conquered many obstacles and rose from nearly nothing to graduate with a degree from Morris Harvey College and serve as the public health nurse. She could often be found in her backyard pool volunteering as a lifeguard, before there was a town pool. Her strong work ethic, along with a significant amount of stubbornness, allowed her the ability to always come out on top, no matter what task she took on. Unofficially, she became the all-time prank war champion, in a contest amongst herself, John Reed, and Jack Alsop, when she had the Webster Springs Fire Department deliver a Moosehead to the chimney of the Judge’s house. Her humor was always on-point and appropriate; and her cleverness was a big part of allowing her humor to shine. She could keep secrets, but give clues and hints about things that would keep you guessing for weeks. Blessed with many talents, Cassandra was also the official town Wedding Singer, she was the accredited historian for the play “Boardwalk to the Moon”, based on the town’s iconic boardwalk, and was the director of many plays and skits to fundraise for the Woodchopping Festival. In addition to her love of people and her community, she had a special love for all animals. In complete contrast to her protective and adoring nature, she would often boast of winning motorcycle drag races at the Firetower Straight on Point Mountain; as well as her absolute abhorrence to all things Martha Stewart. She often openly admitted that anyone could obviously become famous for something as common as being a housewife. Her family would often take advantage of her aversion to the celebrity by gifting items from the product line to Cassandra. Although she didn’t care for their humor, the gifts were still put to good use.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Jenny (Evan) Coleman, Michelle (Donald) Wilson, and Mary (John) Sprouse; her brother, Thomas “Pat” Mitchell; grandchildren: Carl Given, McKayla Frazier, Sara Anne Phares, Faith Phares, Paige Phares, Joseph Donald Phares, Katie Sprouse, and Joe Sprouse; special nephews, and great-nephew: Robert, Allen, and David Allen Mitchell; special cousins, her confidant, John “Fred” Harper, Mary Margaret Pooler, and Becky and Tim Hunter; her wonderful caregiver and “other daughter’, Stella; her faithful companion, Chica; and a host of other relatives, friends, and neighbors, all whom will miss her dearly.

Services to celebrate Cassandra’s life will be held 2PM, Saturday, July 12, at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs, with Pastor Jamie Jarvis and the Reverend Rachel Isabell officiating. Friends may join the family for a time of gathering and visitation from 12 Noon until 2PM.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com

Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Cassandra’s family.