Joellen (Jody) Pettit Riley, age 88, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Born April 29, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Lucile McBrayer White and Rowland D. White. Mrs. Riley was a life-long resident of Cartersville graduating from Cartersville High School in 1948, then attending Ward-Belmont College in Nashville and later the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
In 1950, she married Hugh B. Pettit, Jr. also of Cartersville. Following Hugh’s death in 1980, she married Alan M. Riley. He passed away in 2013. Jody was a homemaker, active with the Cartersville Service League and Sam Jones United Methodist Church.
Jody is survived and loved by her son, H. Boyd Pettit III, granddaughters Dana P. Bradley (Stan) and Victoria McBrayer (Bray) Pettit and great grandchildren Trip, Taff and Taryn Bradley. Affectionately referred to by her grandchildren and great grandchildren at JoJo or Mama Jody, she was thrilled with the anticipation of another great grandchild as Bray shared the news of a daughter expected in early June. Jody is also survived by cousins Terry Cox, Jody Ledford, Ava Fleming and Peter Fleming.
With her marriage in 1981 to Alan, Jody became a mother to Peter and Ruth Riley. Boyd then gained a wonderful brother and sister. Jody is now also survived by Peter M. Riley, Ruth R. Davis (Bo); grandchildren Peter M. Riley, Jr. (Lauren), Christopher Riley (Katie) and Rebecca Riley and great grandchildren.
Special caregivers Wilma and Samantha made it possible for Jody to remain at home with full time care until her death.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 with Dr. Tommy Green and Rev. Kevin Lobello officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral.
Pallbearers will be Peter M. Riley, Robert L. (Bo) Davis III, Kenny Lowery, Ross Whatley, Mark Whatley and David Whatley.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Etowah Valley Humane Society, 36 Ladds Mountain Road, Cartersville, Georgia 30120.
Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to post tributes and sign the on-line register.
Owens Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Catersville, GA 30120 is in charge of the arrangements.
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