Padestes "Dessy" Jane Mutts

Age 66, of Bloomingdale, Georgia, passed away at her home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Born November 13, 1958, in Vineland, New Jersey, Dessy was the daughter of Tony Pope and Mary (Lindsey) Bell. She attended Vineland Public Schools, where, in the 7th grade, she met her childhood sweetheart, Marvin Kevin Mutts. The two held hands for five years, and at the age of 19, devoted themselves to marriage, thereafter sharing another 46 years of love.

Dessy's deep passion for caring for others and hard work led to a successful academic journey and a fulfilling career in nursing. She earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Cumberland County College in 1988, where she was honored on the National President's List, *Who's Who Among American Junior College Students*, and as the EOF Student of the Year. In 2003, Dessy became the Supervisor of the new Oncology Unit at Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, prior to the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Dessy later graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She was inducted into multiple prestigious honor societies, such as: 2005 Sigma Tau, 2007 Tau Sigma, 2008 Delta Epsilon Iota, 2008 Golden Key International, and 2008 Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Societies. She went on to receive The United States of America President's Volunteer Service Award between 2008-2013 for her dedication and service as a nurse in the Savannah, Georgia, community. She worked as a dedicated Registered Nurse at the Coastal Correctional Institution in Savannah, Georgia, where she was highly respected by both colleagues and the community. She was proud to have earned the title of "Mrs. Padestes Jane Mutts, BSN, RN."

A lifelong and devoted member of The United House Of Prayer For All People, Dessy's passion for service extended beyond her nursing career. She was the Founder, Director, and Coordinator of the Reach Out and Touch Community Outreach Program, an essential initiative that organized donations for the feeding program and worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for both the elderly and youth. Additionally, Dessy facilitated an after-school and weekend tutoring program, helping children from Pre-K through 12th grade. She was known for her boundless compassion and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

In her leisure time, Dessy found comfort and enjoyment in watching investigative crime television programs with her beloved husband, Marvin. They enjoyed traveling around the nation to various United House of Prayer locations and vacationing in the beautiful, snow-capped Pocono Mountains.

Dessy is predeceased by her father, Tony Pope; her mother, Mary Bell; her stepfather, James "Buster" Bell; her stepbrother, James Bell; her stepsister, Crystal Bell; and her cherished baby sister, Marcella "Marcy B" Alise Bell, who passed just 13 days prior.

She is survived by her loving husband, Marvin Kevin Mutts; her brother, William Pope; and her stepbrother, Gordon (Jon) Bell. Dessy is also survived by her three stepsisters, Rosiland Burrell, Anna (Darryl) Drummond, and Marva Slaughter; her three children, William Jarett (Shannon) Mutts, Virginia Joy Mutts, and Mary Padestes (Tywandia) Mutts; ten grandsons; eight granddaughters; seven great-grandsons; and six great-granddaughters. Two godchildren, Lamont and Tammy Logan, also survive her. Additionally, she leaves behind two very special friends, Debbie, Arlene and Saundra.

Dessy's life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Services and Viewing Information:

There will be two separate viewings and one service, held in both Savannah, Georgia, and Vineland, New Jersey.

The details are as follows:

Savannah, Georgia:

Viewing: Saturday, February 1st, 2025, 4–6pmThe United House Of Prayer For All People (Rossignol Hill)4107 6th Street, Garden City, GA 31408

Vineland, New Jersey Homegoing:

Viewing: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 am at The United House Of Prayer For All People413 North 4th Street, Vineland, NJ 08360. Homegoing service will begin at 11:00 am at the Church. Following the service, Mrs. Padestes Jane Mutts will be laid to rest at Laurel Lawn Cemetery, 170 Old Deerfield Pike, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

A repast will be held at the Alms Center, 1 M.L.K. Jr Way, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland, NJ.