Elizabeth J. Petty's Obituary
Elizabeth -Å"Granny/Do- Petty
Elizabeth J. Petty was born November 20, 1925 to Reb and Annie Lou Thomas. She was raised by her Granny Lizzie Richardson on a farm in Columbus Mississippi. At the age of 18, she birthed her first son, Walter Cunningham Sr., and later married Sam Petty. In 1954 her family moved to Tacoma, WA, and began sending for four of her siblings and their families. They also sent for her mother -Å"Big Mama-.
In Tacoma, she worked as a caregiver for the elderly and thoroughly enjoyed the work that she did. Being a caregiver was the heart of Granny. She not only did this for a living, but would take care of countless children and adults in the neighborhood. Whether it was providing a place to sleep, a hot meal, or lending money, Granny's heart and door was always open. In addition to serving others, she also had a heart of service for her church, Central Church of Christ. Her church became an extension of our family. In all the days of our lives, she sincerely displayed the character of Jesus. Granny would tell you exactly what you needed to hear, but not always what you wanted to hear. Her love and commitment to seeing others have a better life was her life's journey.
She peacefully went home to be with her Father in Heaven at the age of 85. She was a devoted wife, mother, grand-mother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be most remembered by her devotion to her Lord Jesus, service to others, remarkable courage, endless humor, and of course-¦her sweet potato pies. Though she will be greatly missed, she has left a legacy for generations to come and will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her children: Walter Cunningham Sr., Willie Petty (step-son), Mary Petty (step-daughter), Thomas Mercer, Raymond Mercer, and her Margo Cunningham (daughter-in-law), six brothers and sisters: Mary Lee Sterling, William Lacey, Mattie Will Hall, Earnesteen Randolph, Jody Johnson, and Dora Lee Adams, three grandchildren: Wendy Green (Dwight), Walter Cunningham Jr., Eddie (Lonnetta) Cunningham, and Babette Beckham (granddaughter-in-law), Nine great-grandchildren: Taliesha (Lawrence) Garrett, Shawnesty Cunningham-Green, Tasean Cunningham, Marcel Cunningham, Shamaure Green, LaVaughn Cunningham, Marius Cunningham, Marlia Cunningham, and Jaeveon Cunningham, her great-great-grandson Jayden Cunningham, and a host of nieces, cousins, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings Mattie Lee Ellis, Jessie Will Randolph, Sammie Lee Johnson, and two of which died at birth.
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