Jean Pettis

Tupelo - Jean Pettis, 72, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at her residence after a sudden illness. She was born September 11, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee to Lester George and Beulah Louise Meadows Greene. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in social work. She married Dr. James Leighton Pettis, Jr. on January 28, 1956 and for the past 47 years they made their home in the Tupelo area. During this time, as a licensed social worker, she was extremely involved with our community. She started Special Olympics in Tupelo, volunteered with the Childrens Mansion, Board Member of Safe and a founding Board Member of the Sanctuary Hospice House. She was also past president of Junior Auxiliary, twice chairman of the Charity Ball and past president of the Christian Womans Club She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she had served as past president of the women of the church, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was full of life and enjoyed tennis, bridge, cooking and reading. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Groome officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Peters Cemetery in Oxford. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Dr. James Leighton Pettis, Jr., of Tupelo; four children, Jim Pettis and wife, Susan, of Jackson, Brenda Warren and husband, John, of Memphis, Libby Carlock of Atlanta and Leigh Ann Luther and husband, Gripp, of Huntsville, Alabama; ten grandchidren, Scott Warren, Ashley Warren, Elizabeth Pettis, Catherine Pettis, Caroline Pettis, Neill Luther, Leighton Luther, Keller Carlock, Leighton Carlock and Thomas Carlock.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Pallbearers will be Henry Dodge, Hugh Luckett, Michael B. Gratz Sr., Chuck Embler, Greg Megginson, Tommy Elliott, Dr. John Elliott, Gripp Luther and John Warren.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Gaines, Dr. Benton Hilbun, Dr. Swan Burrus, James Williams, Heywood Washburn, Billy Moore, Benny Randle, Dr. John Ed Harris, Dr. Lee Rogers, Dr. Joe Chappell, Dr. Merrick Wyble and Dr. Marion Winkler.

Visitation will be 5 - 9 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Jefferson Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 or the Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, Mississippi 38803.