Bessie Mabel Mumford Pello, 93, of Brunswick, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at UF Jacksonville, under the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care.

A funeral service for Mrs. Pello will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:00 am, from the gravesite at Brunswick Memorial Park Cemetery, with Brother Dave Spence officiating.

Bessie was born in Reidsville, GA, April 27, 1932, to Robert Dewey Mumford and Annie Pearl Pearson Mumford.  She moved to Brunswick during her teen-age years and remained in Brunswick for the rest of her life.  She was a longtime member of Morningside Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, was the church secretary and the organist. She later attended Beverly Shores Baptist Church.  She was a self taught artist and did many drawings during church and Sunday School. She was invited to other churches to teaching through her drawings. Bessie was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict.  She was one of the first enlistees of WAC (Womens Army Corps) and was named as one of the 'One In A Million' women to join.  As a member of WAC, she was photographed numerous times for covers of the Military ad campaigns.  After her military service, she married Dan and they started a family.  Once the 'children' and 'grandchildren' were out of the house, she went to work for her son Steve at Pello Body Shop where she remained for over 30 years.  She was faithful to her Lord and Savior and strived to lead others.

Bessie is survived by her children; Eva Pello, Pat Pello, Steve Pello, Dan Pello, Jr. (Darla), and Jimmy Pello, her grandchildren; Layla Morris Hapney(Derek), Cole Morris, Mark Knowles(Cindy)Pam Knowles Mixon(Tim)Jamie Knowles(Chastity) Shaun Pello, Josh Pello(Kristen)and Emilee Hill(BG), Great Grandchildren; Patrick Shirah, Steven and Roxanna Watson, James and Tayla Hapney, Bella and Juliet Pello, Teleke and Brashaun Pello, Easton, Eve, and Everette Hill, Kathleen and John Andrew Knowles, Ashley Knowles Wadsworth, and Holly Mixon, Great great grandchildren; Liam Shirah and Torrin Hapney, brothers; Galin E. Mumford (Kathleen) and Ricky C. Mumford.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Pello, her husband, Dan Pello, Sr., a brother, Robert 'Scooge' Mumford, Jr., and sisters, Lucille Mumford Ryals, Jacqueline Mumford Gravely, and Joanne Mumford Hamilton.

The family of Bessie Pello would like to give a very grateful 'Thank you' to the staff of Pruitt Health St. Marys, for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Pello over the past five months.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.