Despite the loss of her mother at an early age, her lifelong regret of not being able to go to college and the challenge of rearing five children mostly on her own, she refused to lower her personal or professional sights.
She broke racial and gender barriers as a longtime supervisor at Delmar Printing Co., where she worked 40 years. She bought a home and owned rental and vacation property. She became a real estate agent and traveled nationally and internationally.
She had her share of setbacks and challenges but she never played the victim, often saying, “the world doesn’t owe you anything.” She aimed to live fully, and encouraged her children to do the same.
A native of Newberry, S.C., she is survived by her five children: Vanessa Gallman of Lexington, Ky.; Cheryl Petty, Wilma Petty, Jerry Petty and Candace Petty-Parker (Gary) all of Charlotte.
Survivors also include sisters Willie Mae Gallman of Irvington, N.J., Lille Jesse (Richard) of Dumphries, Va. and Gracie Gallman of Newberry, S.C.; grandchildren Erica Stinson of Lexington, Ky., Tijuan Petty and Sade Petty of Charlotte; Ryan Petty of Central, S.C.; Allen Petty of Iona, Ga.; beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husband, William Petty; sisters Carrie Davidson and Vera Freeman; grandchildren Jerry Petty Jr. and Ebony Petty; and longtime companion James P. Morehead and John Hoyle
Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 4th at 12:30 PM in Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, Charlotte. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until the time of service. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn West Mausoleum. Please visit www.forestlawnwest.com for online condolences and guestbook. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte, 1420 East 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204.
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