Alma "Jean" Richardson Pettus

Alma “Jean” Richardson Pettus, 84, passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on July 27, 2023, at her home in Winston Salem.

She was born Feb. 11, 1939, in Ashe County, NC to Everett and Stella Richardson.

She graduated from Glenn High School. She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life for more than 50 years, Harvey Wade Pettus Sr., in 2011.

Jean was a faithful member of Gospel Light Baptist Church for more than 50 years and attended faithfully as long as her health permitted.

Jean fiercely loved her family, and always welcomed them to her home with open arms. She was well known for her delicious cakes, her love for flowers, and the very special bond she had with her sister, Carolyn.

Her parents and 5 of her siblings, Junior Richardson, Paul Richardson, Herman Richardson, Dee Swaim, and Wayne Richardson preceded her in death.

Jean is survived by two sons, Harvey Wade Pettus Jr. (Denise) of Walnut Cove, Kevin Pettus (Donna) of Kernersville, and daughter, Lisa Pless (Brian) of High Point; her sister, Carolyn Messer, a brother, Charles Richardson (Betty), sisters-in-law Libby Richardson and Zora Mae Richardson; grandchildren, Dustin Pless (Katie), Dylan Pless, Kayla Pless, Tara Burnette (Chris), Heather Jones (Tommy), Mack Pettus (Savannah), Melanie East (Jason) and Melissa Myers (Jon), 20 great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, NC, 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, with the service beginning at noon to be officiated by Pastors Matt Morrison and Frank Shumate. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Winston Salem.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Carol Carrodus and Medina Singletary for the loving care they provided to Jean in her final weeks of life on this earth.