Myrtle Mae Petty

Ninety-seven years.
Nearly a century of faith, strength, perseverance, and grace.

Myrtle Mae Scott was born on March 16, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Earl and Dorothy Scott. An only child, she entered a world vastly different from the one she would one day leave behind.

She was born into an America still segregated. An America where opportunities for Black women were limited, but determination was not. She witnessed a world that evolved from radio broadcasts and black-and-white televisions to computers, the internet, 4K screens, and 5G technology. She saw the transformation of transportation, medicine, communication, and culture. From the early days of jazz and big band music to modern-day entertainment, she watched history unfold - and she lived through it with dignity.

Educated in the St. Louis Public School system, Myrtle attended Dunbar Elementary and Vashon High School. It was in St. Louis where she built her foundation - a foundation rooted in faith, family, and resilience.

On August 22, 1949, she married William Petty. From this union came eleven children, Alice, Lenora, William Jr., Cassandra, Stephanie, Dorothy, Marita, Debbie, Harold, Delores, and Henry - a legacy of love that multiplied into generations. Her life was not simply measured in years, but in descendants, in wisdom passed down, and in prayers whispered over her family.

At a very young age, Myrtle professed her faith in Christ. Her walk with God anchored her through every decade of change. She worshiped at First Free Will Baptist Church and later became a faithful member of Progressive Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board and lifted her voice in the choir. She did not just attend church - she served. She believed.

Professionally, Myrtle dedicated herself to caring for others. She began her career at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, a pillar in the Black medical community of St. Louis. She later worked in the dietary departments at City Hospital #1 and Malcolm Bliss Health Mental Health Center, before retiring from Hawthorn. In spaces where Black professionals often had to work twice as hard for recognition, she carried herself with excellence and pride.

But Myrtle's life extended beyond work and church walls. She was active in her community. She received proclamations from the State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis in recognition of her impact. At her 90th birthday celebration, she was honored with a special proclamation from the Mayor's Office - a testament to a life well lived and widely respected. She supported political campaigns, engaged with civic leaders, and attended Urban League events, witnessing and participating in the advancement of Black leadership across generations.

She lived long enough to see history bend - slowly - toward progress. She saw the rise of Black political figures, the breaking of barriers once thought impossible, and the global celebration of Black excellence in entertainment, sports, and public service. From the era of Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole to the sounds and screens of today, she saw culture shift and expand - and she celebrated it.

She stayed active at the YMCA and local recreation centers, faithfully attending water aerobics. As a member of the Swinging Seniors Dance Team, she reminded us all that joy has no age limit. Movement was her testimony. Rhythm was her resilience. Through every era, one thing remained constant: Myrtle loved to dance.

In 1989, she joined the Order of the Eastern Star, Lillian C. Gasaway Chapter #123, where she served as Past Matron and Worthy Matron - continuing her commitment to service and sisterhood.

On February 8, 2026, as heaven opened its gates, Myrtle Mae Petty answered the Master's call and entered into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William Petty; her mother, Dorothy Scott; her father, Earl Scott; and her two daughters, Lenora Petty and Marita Petty.

She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in pages: Alice Webb, William D. Petty Jr., Cassandra Jones, Stephanie Petty, Dorothy Petty, Debbie Petty, Harold Petty (Vicki), Delores Petty (Ronnie), and Henry Petty - along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.