Arthur James Pettaway

Celebration of A Life Well-Lived

Arthur J. Pettaway

(Humanitarian - Philanthropist)

It was after sunrise on Sunday March 9 that my best friend, the one who loved me most, my husband Arthur J. Pettaway, transitioned from life as we know it on earth. His departure while quite unexpected, was in concert with the plan of the great “I Am”.

A proud Howard University alumnus, he was the only child of Nellie Mae Pettaway. His mother and maternal grandmother provided a loving home for him in Rehoboth, AL. It was in that home that many lifelong lessons were intentionally taught, learned, and carried forward. “Respect for self”, “respect for others”, “put your best foot forward every day”. Those and other similar life lessons were ever present and exemplified both in the social and professional aspects of Art Pettaway. He was an ardent supporter of his alma mater and found great joy in the long-lasting friendships with fellow Bisons.

His decades of service with the U.S. Secret Service, from which he retired in December 1995, was a source of great personal pride. There too, he developed professional and social friends that endured. Art’s service to youth spans over a period of 45 years. Recognizing the importance of helping students who wanted to attend college; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in particular, Art began making financial contributions in 1975 to the United Negro College Fund, Inc.

Since the inception of the UNCF/MCTS (Mobile County Training School) Scholarship Fund, Art has consistently provided financial assistance to graduating high school seniors interested in furthering their education by attending colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Since graduating from Howard University in 1963, Art has been a steadfast contributor to its endowed scholarship program. In 2002, Howard University conferred on Art “Honor Roll Status” for his contributions to the All-Classes Reunion Gift Campaign.

Art was a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), contributor to SOME (So Others Might Eat) and Central Union Mission. He established a scholarship fund at his hometown church, St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church (Mobile, AL) to encourage graduating high school students to pursue a college education. This scholarship fund was named for his uncle and mentor, The Welton “Good Black”’ Harris Memorial Scholarship.

Our marriage took place November 26, 1977, at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, Washington, DC. Our marriage was characterized by mutual love, mutual respect, mutual support, and mutual interests. We were two independent and complete individuals, seeking always to complement the other. We enjoyed cooking together, maintaining a koi pond and spending time together at home listening to music. Art’s enjoyment and appreciation of music was broad. It included, but was not limited to blues, jazz, and country.

Art found great pleasure in moments, events, special occasions shared with extended family and friends. Making the world community a better place was an unstated goal toward which he strived daily.

Art is predeceased by his mother, Nellie Mae Pettaway, who passed in 1947, when he was only eight years old. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Linda R. Pettaway, his “adopted” mother, Mrs. Valena W. McCants (a centenarian).

Sister-in-Love Mrs. Mary R. Williams (Dr. Henry N. Wiliams) Bowie, MD. Nephews, nieces and cousins:

Creola Thrasher (Milwaukee, WI), Bernice Roberson, Jerry Hunter (Saginaw, MI) Lillie Crump (Windsor, GA), Ruth Hunter Smith (Mobile, AL) Other relatives: Sharon Gamble, Melissa Pettaway (Mobile, AL), Life-long friends Gregory R. Smith (Juliette) Anniston, AL., Kenneth Williams (Patricia) Stafford, VA, Benjamin Wilson (Silver Spring, MD); Dr. Howard E. Pointer (St. Louis, MO), Dr. Robert Johnson (Helen), Rockville, MD and Mr. Fred Allen (Washington, DC) God children: Jaquatte Donald Williams (Patrick) Lithonia, GA, Pamila Simmons, Washington, DC; Kelli Johnson (Rev. Lamarr L. Johnson), Woodbridge, VA., Special friends: Mrs. Sandra Edwards, Tonya, Jasmine, and Javon Edwards (Mobile, AL),

Good neighbors, and the Howard University Men 50’s/60’s Luncheon group, a host of other associates and friends.

Art loved people!