eannette C. Pettit

1942 - 2024

Willcox - Jeannette C. Pettit entered her new heavenly body in the early morning hours of May 29, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at age 81. Jeannette was born as the oldest of two children to George and Currine Cline on June 30, 1942, in Granite City, Illinois. She grew up in Illinois living up and down the state as her father ran various grain elevators. She graduated from Granite City High School in 1960 and attended Olivet Nazarene College (now University) in Kankakee, Illinois, graduating with a BA in Elementary Education in 1964, and a MA in Education in 1970. She also has a Special Education degree from Phoenix University.

It was in college Jeannette met Lyle Pettit, a ministerial student. They were married in Granite City, Illinois on June 27, 1964. The two of them became partners in ministry while pastoring churches in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Arizona. They came to Cochise, Arizona in 1986 where Lyle pastored Wynne Chapel from 1986 to 2009. Moving to Sierra Vista, her husband Lyle continued ministering in various churches with Jeannette ever at his side. She was always a faithful partner and helpmate with her pastor husband, Lyle. Having given her heart to Jesus Christ as a child, Jeannette has lived a consistent, faithful, and totally committed Christian life, always a lady.

Here in Arizona, Jeannette taught kindergarten and music at Pearce Elementary School and special ed at Willcox Elementary School. Gifted as an organizer, Jeannette has directed Summer Youth Camps in both Illinois and Wisconsin, directed Vacation Bible Schools, worked in the field of mental health, been a Welcome Wagon Hostess, and served as executive secretary of the Greater Mauston Area Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin, as well as various other jobs. She was Administrative Secretary at Wynne Chapel at the time of her retirement. After moving to Sierra Vista, Jeannette served as Social Committee Chairperson, treasurer, vice president, and president of the Village Association at the Sierra Vista Mobile Home Village.

Jeannette was a woman of many talents who enjoyed various crafts, sewing, crocheting, needle point, scrapbooking, and cake decorating. She played the piano and organ, directed church choirs, taught cake decorating classes, and was extremely organized. She collected a huge selection of cameo pins and necklaces, becoming known as the "Cameo Lady."

Jeannette is survived by her husband Rev. Lyle Pettit, their two children, Lynnette (Ted) Mauseth of Willcox, Arizona, and Bill (Mary Ann) Pettit of Bedford, Indianna. They have two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jeannette and Lyle became "parents" to many young people through the years who have come to call them "mom and dad." Jeannette is also survived by her brother, Richard (Sylvia) Cline of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A memorial service will be held at Wynne Chapel near Cochise, Arizona on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm. with Rev. Mike Andrews and Gary Tucker officiating. You may express condolences at westlawnchapelmortuary.com Arrangements entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Arizona.