Ellen McGuire Pettus

Ellen McGuire Pettus, age 96, of Lawrenceburg, TN passed away Saturday, March 02, 2024.  She was a native of Lawrenceburg, TN, a child born and raised during the Great Depression.  Those lessons of hard work and conservative living molded her values for her entire life.  Certainly one of the “Greatest Generation” she was a “late bloomer” but had a fierce sense of determination when she set a goal.  Ellen started college in her 40s, graduated with an education degree, and became a teacher where she retired from the Lawrence County School System.  She was a member of OK Baptist Church for 91 years. She taught herself to play the piano and played at her church for 77 years as well as for several gospel groups.  She also enjoyed quilting, making hundreds of them.  Her greatest joys came from her church and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Crate and Iva Vandorn McGuire; her husband of 61 years, H. E. "Jake" Pettus; and one sister, Grace Dryden. 

She is survived by one son, Tim Pettus (Lynn) of Lawrenceburg, TN; one daughter, Judy Brown (Roy) of Lawrenceburg, TN; five grandchildren, Lorie Jones (Josh) of Lawrenceburg, TN, Will Pettus (Kim) of Lawrenceburg, TN, Crissy Stone (Steve) of Murfreesboro, TN, Jed Pettus (Christy) of Lawrenceburg, TN, and Katie Glover (Keith) of Lawrenceburg, TN; ten great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 05, 2024, at OK Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be conducted at OK Baptist Church at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 05, 2024, with Brandon Smith officiating.  Interment will follow at OK Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN.  The family suggests memorials be made to the OK Baptist Church General Fund. 

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