Elma Lois Johnson Pettis

Life’s Reflections

Mrs. Elma Lois Johnson Pettis was born September 4, 1924, to the late Mr. Clarence and Callie Johnson. Her brother, Clarence Johnson, Jr., and sister, Edna Mae Casey, preceded her in death. She departed this life on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

As a member of the Orange Mound Community, Elma attended church in the Beltline. She was baptized and joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age. Elma later became a Greater Hope Baptist Church member, dutifully attending and faithfully serving until her health declined.

She was a member of The Park Avenue School graduating class. Elma continued her education at Booker T. Washington High School, where she received her diploma. Elma became interested in the medical field and desired to learn all that was available. She enrolled in John Gaston Nursing Program and completed all requirements to become a licensed nurse.

Elma was a loving daughter, a wonderful sister, a phenomenal aunt, a cousin to many, and a loyal friend to quite a few. But to us...she was AUNTIE!!! We are her legacy. Auntie was our touchstone, and she will never fade away from our memories.

Auntie leaves her loving and devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves six nieces, Carolyn Johnson, Ernestine (Willie) Stewart, and Evelyn Liggins, who served faithfully as her caregiver, Edna Chavis, Janice (Russell) Dickson, and Doris Casey, three nephews, Calvin (Denise) Johnson, Julius Casey, Clarence Casey, the keys to her heart, Jazmine “Queen Bee” Cousin and Callie “Hunny Bunny” Liggins, one godson, Everett Davis, III, her loving cousin, Gloria Jean Williams and her loving lifetime friend, Mrs. Gertrude Davis.

The Beltline neighbors and The Walker, Davis, Taylor, Johnson and Whitfield families shared a special bond and friendship with Auntie. Auntie also leaves a host of grandnieces and grandnephews. We deeply mourn her passing.

Order of Service

Friday, April 14, 2023 11:00 A.M.

Greater Hope Baptist Church

2660 Spottswood • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Dr. Danny D. Homes, Pastor

Processional….........................................“Let The Church Say Amen”

Musical Selection.....................................Greater Hope Church Choir

Scriptures:

Old and New Testament.....................................Calvin Johnson

Prayer............................................................Pastor Brian Bartlett, Sr.

Musical Selection................................................Andrea Earle-Murray

Words of Comfort................................................Pastor Stanford Hunt

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)

Memories Of My Friend - Gertrude Davis

Poem - Rachelle Dickson

Letter from “Hunny Bunny” - Callie Liggins

Family Tribute - Tomekia Dortch

Sweet Memories Slideshow......................... “I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston

Acknowledgements..........................................Regina Blount-Williams

Musical Selection.....................................................Armando Franklin

Eulogy..................................................................Dr. Danny D. Holmes

Recessional.........................................................“A Place In The Sun”

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of Mrs. Elma Lois Pettis wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the numerous acts of kindness bestowed upon her during her short illness. The cards, calls, food and flowers were supportive and treasured.

A special thanks to Jerwin Johnson (mentee) of Crossroads Hospice. Special gratitude to Kimberly Bridges, Carolyn Nabors and the Walker Family. Dr. and Mrs. Danny Holmes and The Greater Hope Church Family, we thank you for all your prayers. It is our prayer that the Lord who loves us all richly bless you.