Ada F. Petitt

Ada was born in Carthage, Texas on December 31, 1930, to Hollie Garrett, Sr. and Cassie Riggens.

She graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1952. While attending school there, she was blessed to meet Homer Petitt, fall in love, and marry upon their graduation. With Homer becoming a commissioned officer, their life together started with assignments in Georgia and Ft. Hood, Tx, where Terry and Kim were born. Their next assignment took them to Wildflecken, Germany for a couple of years. Returning to the states, Fort Monmouth, NJ was their next post, where their third child, Brian would be born.

New Jersey became home where the family would reside while Homer had multiple duty assignments overseas. Ada lovingly made each place feel like home and filled it with warmth and comfort. She was a true officer’s wife, making sure that she was always prepared to welcome new families and wives whose military experience was just beginning.

Ada loved her family and was always happy to spend time with relatives whether in California, Texas, or wherever they lived. The doors to their home were always open and she was ready to greet whoever might be on the other side. This held true for friends and associates as well, whom she appreciated dearly. Ada always reminisced about her siblings and the joys of growing up with such a large, loving family. She often spoke of the laughter and gatherings that took place in her grandparents’ home. Over the years, speaking with family members from afar, always brightened up her days. She had a way of making the miles seem fewer between them.

Along with being a supportive and caring wife, mother, and partner, Ada had a career of her own teaching wherever they were assigned. She taught in Department of Defense (DOD) schools on Okinawa and in Germany. She taught stateside in both New Jersey and Fairfax, Virginia, and left an indelible mark in the field of education after 27 years.

Ada had a passion to teach and help her students grow and appreciate learning. Education was always emphasized, and she shared how her older brother, Willie L, helped to pay her tuition so that she could fulfill her personal dreams. Ada was always sure to remind her children and grandchildren how proud she was of them for making their education a priority.

The Petitts made Northern Virginia their home in 1974. After her retirement from teaching, she, alongside Homer, founded an information technology firm in Alexandria. This family business existed for over 30+ years, and she naturally made that a home as well. They had an extraordinary relationship personally, professionally, and spiritually; one that was evident to anyone in their presence. Ada often shared the story of first meeting her husband outside the campus movie theater. Homer had said to her, “save me a seat,” and she replied, “but you don’t know where I sit.” He responded playfully, “yes, I do,” and the rest was history.

When her husband of 59 years passed away in 2011, Ada remained steadfast in her devotion to her faith and family. She continued to touch the lives of so many with her love, laughter, and guidance. Her style and sophistication never went unnoticed.

Ada continued to cherish the time she spent with her children and grandchildren going to games, dance recitals, performances, graduations, or simply enjoying Sunday afternoons at home with them all. The storytelling was endless and full of humor with the love story of Ada and Homer woven into so many memories. We know that Homer was waiting at the gates of Heaven and upon her arrival, he most surely said with a smile, “I saved you a seat.”

Ada Floyd Petitt was preceded in death by her loving husband, Homer, her parents and stepmother, Geraldine; her sister Lois Green, her brothers, Willie L. Garrett, Hollie Garrett, Jr., and Reggie Garrett. She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Ann Terry, Gail Garrett, and Sherel Garrett Jones; her daughter Kim Graham (Charles), her sons Terry Petitt (Ellyce) and Brian Petitt (Sue); her grandsons Glenn Graham II, Jordan Petitt, and Kyle Petitt; and her granddaughters Tonya Graham, Raelene Okoh, Yolanda Williams, and Fatima Evans (Rob); two great granddaughters and two great grandsons; and numerous family members and friends.

The Memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1601 South 13th Street, Arlington, VA. A Quiet Time, beginning at 10:30 a.m. will precede the funeral service. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date.