Ann Sherls Pettigrew

From this understanding, at the root of God is love and the root of love is God. Just as God is many things, so is love. We sometimes view love as tenderness, compassion, and a gentle touch. When reflecting on the life of our mother she was certainly loving and personified all of those qualities. However, her love was characterized in her unwavering strength and willingness to sacrifice for those whom she loved; in this way she lived a divine life predicated on absolute selflessness.

Ann Sherls Pettigrew was born January 30th 1934, in Cornersville, Tennessee. She was the eighth child of fourteen born to Nathaniel Sherls and Addine Sherls (Burgess). Ann spent her formative years in Shelbyville, Tennessee and later spent time with family in St. Louis, Missouri and Gary, Indiana. While visiting her sister Delores in Indianapolis, she met John Pettigrew, and the two eventually married in 1957. This union was blessed with four children.

Ann was employed with RCA/BMG, proudly as a record presser, for 27 years and was a friend and "mother" to so many of her colleagues. Upon retirement, she thrust herself into her real interests in life: reading and gardening. Ann was a voracious reader, whose interests included Biblical scriptures, history, politics, cooking and many others. This love and appreciation for knowledge she would pass on to her children and anyone who would engage with her in conversation. Ann further demonstrated this desire for growth by returning to school and completing her High School Equivalency Degree in 1988, proving to herself and others that it is never too late. A "southern woman at heart," Ann was a meticulous gardener and would often show off her plants and arrangements to any visitor to her home. Her garden was filled with a splendid assortment of rose bushes, poppies, hostas, morning glories, fashioned in beautiful and well-thought out arrangements. Her tomato plants, peppers, and cucumbers often found its way onto the dining room table where she would express her love through her skills around the kitchen. Mom's food would have you humming as you eat.

Ann's greatest interest was family. She expressed unconditional love for her family and often demonstrated it through timely words of wisdom, tough love and lessons, and then would finish it off with a delicious home-cooked meal. However, that love was not limited to family, but was shared with all. There are numerous stories of her strength and compassion. She was like the proverbial candle, whose light shines as a guide in dark moments, but you do not always realize the magnitude of its brightness until it burns out. Our task now is to continue that legacy and shine our light for others.

She was preceded in death by her mother Addine (Burgess) Sherls, and father, Nathaniel Sherls. Brothers: James, Nathaniel Jr., Wendell, Edward, Don, Ray, and Sam Wayne; Sisters: Earline, Shirley, Delores, and Nelvia. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter Yolanda Grant (husband Cary); Sons: Marc Shabazz, Jeffrey Pettigrew, and Corey Pettigrew; Sisters: Ruth Harris and Reine McGill. Grandchildren: Diondra Pettigrew, Michael Pettigrew, Christopher Grant, Elliott Grant, and Ajaylan Shabazz. One great-grandchild, Devyn, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

We all take solace in the truth that the people of God never die, and in fact, we all understand that this divine angel of God has returned to her source. Her love, strength, and compassion will live on in our memories and her personal impact on our lives. She truly fought the good fight and claims eternal life to which she was called. To honor her legacy, we hope that we use the lessons of Ann Pettigrew's life to become kinder, more compassionate, and loving in our words and deeds. To God be the glory.