Tenne Ann Petty

The last chapter of “The World According to Ann Petty: A Six Volume Series” was written on May 19, 2023, and we will miss her honest humor and wisdom. She wrote that she wanted to be remembered that, “She was quick to offer advice, solicited or not, and to have a strong opinion on just about every subject!! She was an open book about her feelings and beliefs. She loved to laugh and especially loved good jokes!! She loved her God, her husband, her children and her precious grandchildren, as well as her many dear friends.” Tenne Ann Petty was born April 6, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee. The oldest of four children, she was born to Virginia Jamison and Luther Edwin Eleazer. From an early age, Ann loved to have fun and make mischief with her brothers, sister and friends. She talked with Ed, Terry and Kay several times a week throughout her life. Ann graduated from Southern Methodist University and went on to earn her masters in education from Clemson University. She worked as a social worker, a fifth grade teacher and, finally, a residential real estate appraiser. She was considered one of the best appraisers in Columbia since 1986, retiring on June 30, 2022. A rare sarcoma took her life on May 19, 2023, despite her extraordinary efforts to fight it. Ann met the love of her life, James Raymond Petty (Jim), while working hard as a receptionist in her father’s dental office, feet propped up and reading a book at the front desk. She laughed at all of Jim’s jokes in 1968, still laughing at 90% of them almost 55 years later. They took care of each other. Jim especially showed his devotion through the final months of her life, a beautiful expression of his love. He will miss being asked if he has in his hearing aids. The children will do their best to keep Jim on track. She is survived by her three children of whom she was endlessly proud, supportive, and talked with every day. Catherine Cunagin (Jay) of Billings, MT, Caroline Sampson (Patrick) of Greenville, SC and Christopher Petty (Justine) of Lexington, SC will miss her laughing at our stories and keeping up-to-date on all the goings-on in Columbia. “It’s not gossip if it’s true.” She worked selflessly for her children, to provide them with a good life and to set a great example of a hard work ethic and a tough woman who had it all. She gave her quick wit, her kind nature, and her lack of an apology for honest opinions. Her children will miss their best friend and may be seen still talking to Mom. Ann adored her six grandchildren, who called her “G”. She lovingly remembered her own grandmother, Tennessee Ann, for whom she was named and whom she honored in her own role as TBG (The Best Grandmother). She enthusiastically took on the role of personal internet shopper, chef, cheerleader, sneaker of treats, babysitter, chauffeur, and entertainer (squirrelly twirly). She never tired of hearing about various academic and athletic accomplishments of which there were many. Ann’s spirit will be kept alive for Chase, Bitsy, Hunter, Jack, Kate and Drew. Ann (aka Dear, Muff(in), Mom, G, TBG, Sis, Spyemom) loved visiting her children, going on beach trips with the girls, “playing” bridge, singing to the oldies, enthusiastically watching college football, talking on the phone and reading. She was a dedicated member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Her heart was big, selfless and kind. She loved life and lived a full one. Rooms will be little less bright without her smile. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM. The service will be at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29204. Visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sistercare, Inc., P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29202 or www.sistercare.org/support-sistercare/donate