To the Honorable Mayor; Esteemed Members of the City Council; & Public at Large:

Whereas, the recent passing of Mrs. Desiree L. Mitchell of (2917 Thompson St.) has highlighted her devoted service to the City of Camden; & cemented her paw print of pride in the eastside neighborhood that she’s always been so very proud to be a member of. The implementation of this citizens petition and neighborhood goal would allow her devotion to continue manifesting for generations to come.

Desiree was a quiet force born with a servant’s heart. She was the (4th) of (7) children born to the Willis & Louise Mitchell family; an eastside family well known for serving the community. The family moved onto Thompson St. in (1954). Her father was a military man, who was one of the founding members of First Refuge Baptist Church & the 12th Ward baseball team.  The entire family could be seen on any given Sunday singing in the choir, helping out with the clothing ministry, or volunteering down at the baseball field. 

This early introduction to serving & fellowshipping within eastside would inspire Desiree’s lifelong motto of “Never going anywhere empty handed.” This conviction  served as a compass guiding her light as she fostered an extraordinary legacy of service as an educator & youth advocate.

Whereas, Desiree L. Mitchell has:

·Served generations of school aged children as an educator & youth advocate for the Camden City’s Board of Education for (40+) years. 

·Served as a Mentor and Behavioral Assistant with the Youth Advocate Program for (25+) years.

·Provided  a safe haven for at risk youth placed in foster care or (DCP&P).

·Served as a faithful member of St. John’s Baptist Church for (50+) years.

·Co-initiated the first Girl Scout Troop in Camden City because she felt all youth should have an opportunity to have access to social enrichment.

·Served on Thompson Streets Neighborhood Watch Team to ensure she looked out for her all of her Eastside family.

·Volunteered in a number of  service initiatives such as Soup for the Soul; March of Dimes; DASH for Ash; Wholesome Riches Food bank; Neighborhood cleanups; & the Connection Ministry. She did all of these things while fighting stage (3) pancreatic cancer. With unimaginable strength and hope on days she couldn’t eat, or barely move because of the pain, she fought to keep serving. She never made excuses, she just served!

Desiree resided in eastside for (70) years, married the love of her life here; raised her children, grandchildren, and fostered youth/adults in need here. Her smiles are hidden in the walls of the Randall Cunningham Center where she held ceramic & Life Skill classes. Her commitment to prove great things come from Camden can be seen in beds of wild flowers and veggies sprouting in her yard. Her time, talents, and life’s purpose is ingrained all throughout eastside.  

In efforts to recognize her commitment and lifelong contributions both locally and county wide, we the undersigned citizens of Camden City propose that “Thompson St.” be renamed as “Desiree’ Mitchell Way”. This change will serve as a constant reminder of what one can achieve through hard work, service, & most important eastside pride.