Maria Vallas Mitchum, 79, fell asleep in the Lord on December 2, 2018, in Hampton, VA.  She was the widow of her loving husband Kenneth R. Mitchum.  Maria was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 10, 1939.  She was the daughter of Theologos and Domna Vallas.   She was of Greek heritage whose parents were from the Island of Patmos, Greece.  Raised in Mississippi, Maria graduated from Provine High School and Milsaps College.  Maria moved to Virginia to obtain her Master of Science in Mathematics from the College of William and Mary in 1965 and remained in Virginia.  She retired from NASA in 2000 after 33 years of service.  At NASA, she served on the "Tiger Team" working on the first Shuttle mission.  Maria was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News, Virginia, Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, and served on the Parish Council.  As Choir Director, she was honored with the St. Romanos Medal of Honor for 32 years of service.  She was an avid bridge player having achieved the "Diamond Life Master," with over 5,000 Master Points.  She loved to cook - mastering her father's profession as "Confectioner" with his candy making skills and produced under the name, "Vallas Candy by Maria."  She is survived by one sister, two brothers, their respective families, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation and prayer service will be held for family and friends at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 7, 2018, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Rd, Newport News, with interment to follow in Hampton National Cemetery.  A Mercy Meal will be held following interment.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Choir of Sts. Constantine and Helen in "Memory of Maria Mitchum."

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.