Eloise Pettit

Grace Eloise Pettit, 98, of Gainesville, Texas passed away November 28, 2022, at her home at The Wesley House Assisted Living in Gainesville. She left this life peacefully surrounded by her family and her dog, Taco.

A casual memorial service will be held, Thursday, December 1st, at The Wesley House at 2:00 PM. All friends and family are invited to attend. Wade Bower of Hillcrest Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be Friday, December 2, 2022, at 2:00 PM in Abernathy Cemetery, Abernathy, Texas.

History:

Eloise was born on January 22, 1924, on the family farm in the community of County Line, west of Abernathy to Thomas Forrest and Beulah Lee Garrett. She was raised on the farm growing up being the son her father never had. She knew how to work hard, having to pick and hoe cotton, taking care of chickens, and gathering eggs. She often told stories of going to Lubbock on Saturdays to sell eggs, with the hopes of getting a piece of candy at the end of the day.

After graduation, Eloise attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. While there, she worked in the office of Preston Smith, who later became the Governor of Texas.

After two years at Texas Tech, with World War II in full force, she and her parents made the trip by train to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to marry the love of her life, Vernon “Pig” Pettit, who was stationed at Baton Rouge with the Coast Guard.

After the war, they returned to Abernathy to begin their lives as cotton farmers.  It was there they started their family with the birth of their children, Mickey, Pat, and Cindi. They later in the early 70’s moved to Paris, Texas and with the help of their son, Mickey, opened a John Deere dealership. They eventually retired and settled in Gainesville, Texas in 1998 to be near family.

Eloise was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress. She is well known for her chocolate and coconut meringue pies. She loved to be with her family, especially her grandchildren, who can tell stories for hours of the wonderful memories that have been made with her. Eloise was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Vernon, and sister Janice Johnson.

Survivors:

She is survived by son, Mickey and wife Jennifer of Rockwall, Texas, daughters, Pat Northcutt and Cindi Ward and husband Robert of Gainesville. Grandchildren include Keri Tidwell and husband Chris, Kalin Evans and husband Chris, Kelbie Presson and husband Cason, Konner Ward, and Kordan Ward all of Gainesville. Brody Pettit and wife Susan and Stacy Redden of Dallas. Kena Allen and husband Lee of Conroe, Texas. Tara Kirk and husband Jeff of Rockwall, Texas and eleven great grandchildren.

The family wants to thank The Wesley House and every single caregiver for the love and care they gave to our mother. She loved them all as we all do. We especially would like to thank Teresa Brewer for the special care she gave her daily and for loving her like her own. Also, a special thanks to Karmesha Trammell for her love and care this past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you please make donations to the Hillcrest Church of Christ Building Fund at 1712 E O’Neal Street, Gainesville, Texas 76240 or The Boles Children’s Home, 7065 Love, Quinlan, Texas 75474.