Mary Cox Pettus

I, Mary L. Cox Pettus, born July 4, 1944, in Wheatcraft, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Reverend Charles E. Cox, Sr. and Violet B. Judson Cox. At eight, I united with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Earlington, Kentucky, beginning my Christian journey. I loved singing and immediately joined the Sunday School and BTU Choir. Wanting more knowledge of Jesus Christ, I became a faithful member of Sunday school, BTU, morning services, and all activities of Mt. Zion. I was a 1962 graduate of J.W. Million High School, where I served as a cheerleader for four years, Class President, sang with the Commencement Chorale, and a member of New Homemakers of America (Home Economics). After five years of courtship, on March 25. 1967, I married the “LOVE OF MY LIFE”, James “Peeca, Boy” Pettus. To this union, was born a beautiful baby girl, Sophia Michelle Pettus. Later, God blessed us with a son/nephew, Demetrice LaDale Pettus. They were definitely my pride and joy, and I loved them so much. When “Peeca” was in the Army, I accompanied him overseas to Panama City, Panama. Still practicing our Christian values, we joined the Cocoli Baptist Church, where I taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and taught Vacation Bible School. Upon arriving in Danville, VA, I met my two best friends, Dr. Edna Griffith and the late Lady Jenny Mack. You two took me in and welcomed me as a family as we traveled to our conventions around the States with Brenda Giggets as our chauffeur. I’ll miss the long talks, fellowship, and sisterhood. Thank you for showing me love, locally, state, and internationally. My love will always be with you. Throughout the many years of my husband’s ministry and pastoral leadership, I was a faithful and supportive First Lady, honored to serve as the Elect Lady of Hopel Chapel Baptist Church. I also supported my husband throughout the Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association, where I worked in the Women’s Ministry and served as director of the Youth Ministry. For 22 years, I was a faithful and dedicated member of the Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows of Danville and Vicinity, serving as President of the Danville Chapter from 2009-2013. I also served as Scrapbook Chairman under the state MWMW under the tenure of Dr. Ellen Jamerson. I also sang with the International Choir of the IAMWMW for many years. We will always be family. To my husband, Reverend Dr. James A. Pettus, “Peeca”, You have been my strength when I was weak, my light in a dark place, and my encourager to never give up. If God allows, I shall but love thee better after death; my children, Sophia Pettus, Demetrice Pettus, Pastor Kelsey M. Hobson, SeQuoia Parker, Derrick and Charonda always know a Mother’s love will never die; my four wonderful sisters, Alice Dulin (the late James), Tommie (the late Henry), Helen (Percy), and Bunni Violet Wingo (Wendell); you have been a rock for me, and I will forever love you. Just keep the faith and know that we are sisters forever; my grandchildren, Jibri, Shabria, Jsean, Demetrice Jr., Alsia, Demari, Kylie, Jabari, Ah’neessa, Isiah Charonda, Juwan, Kelie, and Jaharie I will always cherish and love you; my great-grandchildren, Abela, Tymeir and Embry, what a blessing you were to me in life and so full of energy. I love you all. To my in-laws in love: my brother-in-law, O’Neal Stone, my sisters-in-law, Allene Stone, Joyce Cox, and Lucy Cox, who was my classmate too, you all are my family. To all my nieces, nephews, and cousins, and yes, there are many of you. I love you, and you all were very important parts of my journey through life. I was also preceded in death by four brothers: Billy Joe Cox, Jimmy Lee Cox, Charles E. Cox, Jr., and Steven Cox, Jr., and I loved them very much. On Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024, I breathed my last breath with my husband holding me in his arms as he released me into the Master’s arms. I can now attest to the Apostle Paul: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 To all my family and friends, please remember, when your memories are gone, remember the words to the song, “I LOOK TO YOU.”

 Written in Part by Lady Mary L. Pettus