Ernestine Pettit, 83, of Thida Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021.
Ernestine was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas on Aug. 20, 1937, to Johnnie and Ethel Willard.
Ernestine was known to friends and family as Ma. She had several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Ernestine was a kindhearted yet fierce woman; she inspired many and was loved by all that knew her. She grew up in a little country home in Weona, Arkansas during the recovery of the Great Depression where she learned how to work the fields, cook, and clean at an early age. Ernestine married her husband, Jimmy Pettit, on Nov. 30, 1959. They were married 61 years and raised four children.
Ernestine was very fond of Elvis Presley; she collected several things in his name. She loved family gatherings. Her family was always the most important to her. Ernestine was part of a bowling league, the Lucky Strikers, she earned several trophies in Newport, Arkansas. She loved planting flowers and painting birdhouses with her grandbabies. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy from the oldest to the youngest.
Ernestine was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend who had a long and full life and will be dearly missed. Her legacy of kindness, gentle nature, and strong will; will live on in the hearts who loved and cared for her.
Ernestine is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Ethel Willard; brothers, Henry Willard and Burt Willard; sister, Minnie Herring; grandsons, Johnathon Holderby and Dohnny Holley.
Ernestine is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy Pettit of the home; daughters, Marilyn Fortner of Thida, Carolyn Bell of Thida, Mary Jones (Randy) of Thida; son, Gerald Pettit of Newport; sister, Rachel Beard (Fred) of Newport; grandchildren; Brandon Cagle (Terra), Scott Pettit (Sarah), Mandy Butler (Johnny), Amanda Holley, Nelson Pettit (Dominique), Virgil Holderby Jr. (Ashley), Kayla McKinney; great-grandchildren; Whitley (Rammil), Kyleigh (Chris), Rachel, Lacey, Dawson, Madalyn, Leigha, Jaydin, Hayleigh; great-great-grandchildren, Cadence, Titus, Jaydan and Noah; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
