Louise Rhodes Pettigrew

In Loving Memory of Louise Rhodes Pettigrew

A Life of Love, Dedication, and Grace

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Louise Rhodes Pettigrew, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She departed this world peacefully, with her son, Richard and daughter, Dana by her side, on February 9, 2025, at Jenkins County Medical Center at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Louise was born on May 16, 1938, in Hephzibah, Georgia to Buster and Carrie Bell Rhodes. From a young age, she exhibited a profound sense of compassion and a keen intellect, traits that would define her character throughout her life. She attended Hephzibah High School where she excelled academically and formed lifelong friendships.

On August 1, 1964, Louise married her tall lanky cowboy from Oklahoma, Richard Pettigrew, her devoted partner of 38 years. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was the proud mother of two precious sons Richard and Keith, each of whom she adored and nurtured with unending patience and wisdom. She was also the grandmother of three beautiful girls that she loved and adored with all her heart! Baylee, Henslee and Shelby.

Louise balanced her family life with a successful career in printing. She worked at Gracewood State School and Hospital for 34 years where she was respected by her colleagues for her dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. She often told stories about her incredible boss and friend Dee Oellerich and her colleagues Suzanne and Maria.

Beyond her professional and familial responsibilities, Louise had a passion for many things. She was an avid gardener and seamstress and found joy in cooking for others. Her home was often a gathering place for friends and family, where she would share her love of beautiful tables filled with china and flowers while creating lasting memories. For over 50 years she enjoyed hosting beautiful teas and showers for friends of all ages. She was famous for her mouthwatering fried chicken, potato salad, peach cobbler, chocolate pound cake and tea sandwiches not to mention her banana slush punch. She took pies, cakes and cobblers to all her doctors, sick neighbors or just friends on many occasions. Her love language was surely acts of service.

Louise was also deeply committed to her community and her church. She volunteered at Hephzibah Methodist Church most of her life and held jobs from Sunday School teacher to church secretary to church historian dedicating countless hours to her faith which was ever present. Her selflessness and generosity touched many lives and inspired those around her to give back as well.

Louise’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. She taught her children the importance of empathy, hard work, and resilience. Her grandchildren will forever remember her as a source of warmth and encouragement, a guiding light in their lives.

We will cherish the memories of her vibrant spirit, her infectious laughter, and her boundless love. Though our hearts ache with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. Her faith was her solid foundation and she lived every day being a servant to her Lord and others.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11a.m. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Mr. Dave Hardy, officiating. Visitation will be Thursday February 13, 2025 from 5 -7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Brothersville Cemetery, Mims Road Hephzibah Georgia.

Pallbearers are Mike Rhodes, Julian Allen, Robert Oellerich, Walter Oellerich, Ted Oellerich and Harris Atkins.

Left with cherished memories include her son and precious daughter in law: Richard and Dana Pettigrew; three beautiful granddaughters: Baylee, Henslee and Shelby Pettigrew; one brother: Oscar (Billie Ann) Rhodes; one sister: Dorothy Oellerich; her best friend: Betty Giles and her children; numerous nieces and nephews who adored her, and her friend and companion: Janie Johnson.

Preceding her death include her parents: Buster and Carrie Bell Rhodes; her beloved husband: Richard Pettigrew; her son: Keith Pettigrew; two brothers: Earl and Emmett Rhodes and cherished friend: Gene Giles.

Flowers are accepted as well as memorials to Hephzibah Methodist Church, P. O. Box 65 Hephzibah, Georgia 30815.

Rest in peace dear Louise. Your love and light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.