Virginia Pettus

Virginia ‘Gigi’ Claire Bentley Pettus was born on June 15, 1925 to Henry Davenport Bentley Jr. and Syble Clair Kelly Bentley. She was born in Lincolnton, Georgia and graduated from Lincolnton High School with honors in 1943. She was employed at the Lincoln County Courthouse after graduating from high school. On March 15, 1947, she married Denver Calvin Pettus, a native of Oxford, Alabama, at the Baptist Pastorium in Lincolnton, Georgia. They were married 52 years until his death on July 3, 1999. Survivors include her son, Denver Calvin Pettus Jr, and wife Jan Marie Pettus; grandchildren, Misha Christyanna Liang (Roy), Judson Lyle Pettus and Margeurite Claire Pettus; great grandchildren, Brandon Xiao-Ming Liang, Jaina Xiao-An Liang and Jacob Xiao-Jia Liang; siblings, Bobbie S. Smith (Esso) and Linda Kelly Walton and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Syble Bentley; husband, Denver Pettus; son, Phillip Judson Pettus; grandson Denver Calvin Pettus III; brother Henry S. Bentley, and brother-in-law, Derwood Walton. The family would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Mae Warren, Mama’s longtime friend. Mae selflessly transported Virginia to church, social functions, and personal appointments when she was able to leave home. Later, when Virginia became homebound, she continued to visit and bring food and weekly updates on church events. Mama was fortunate to have Mae’s support and love. We would also like to express our gratitude to Katie Phillips for her generous encouragement and support over the past many months. Katie’s dedication to assisting others is a true representation of acting on her spiritual beliefs. Virginia was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford for many years and we are grateful for the churches assistance with final arrangements. A graveside service for Virginia will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Oxford Memorial Gardens. Pastor Stan Albright will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Judson Lyle Pettus, David Bentley, Johnny Walton, Gerry Hamby and Deacons from Oxford’s First Baptist Church, Greg Hethcox and Mike Sims.

Tributes

Virginia Pettus

December 1, 2016