Jessie James Petty

Visitation will be Wednesday, Noon until 6 p.m. at Lee-Sykes Funeral Home of Columbus. Family will greet visitors from 5-6 p.m. Services will be held Thursday, 2 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens. Jessie James Petty was born in Crawford, Mississippi on September 21, 1943 to Mr. Rass T. Anthony and Ms. Ethel L. “Bubba” Sharp Petty. As the second of nine children, Jessie was the oldest son who was responsible for taking care of his younger siblings and he accepted this responsibility willingly. Life was hard growing up on “The Rock” in those days but Jessie rose to the occasion. Jessie Petty married Jessie M. McGee and to that union his three children were born. Jessie taught his children how to be independent and to “never take people for granted.” He never met a stranger and was very generous with his time and resources. He was a fun, energetic, and caring person. He always had a kind word and gave everyone a chance. He was willing to help, rarely saying no and ended his conversations with “Give Everybody My Best Regards!” The young Jessie was a hard worker and to take care of his family he worked full time at Ruth’s Shop and started his janitorial business on the side working with the 3L’s (Larry, Lisa, and Lenzell). Jessie later went on to start Petty’s Janitorial Service. Being the astute businessman that he was, Jessie quickly grew Petty’s Services to include: Petty’s Janitorial Service, Petty’s Rental Property, Petty’s Classic Care I, Petty’s Classic Care II, Petty’s Christian Childcare and Petty’s Laundry Service. As an Icon and Trailblazer, Jessie was greatly respected, always presenting himself with a genuine smile. Jessie accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member. As an Ordained Deacon, Jessie was Chairman of the Deacon Board. Jessie took his responsibility to God, his family, and his business very seriously. He was a humble but powerful leader. Jessie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Geraldine Anthony Marzette; brothers, Rass Tucker Anthony, William Andrew Anthony and Noah Washington Petty. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Larry L. (Hattie) Petty of Columbus MS, Lisa D. (Jimmie Jr.) Hancock of Houston TX and Lenzell A. (Mary) Petty of Atlanta GA; step-daughter, Whitney (Aaron) Young of Austin TX; sisters, Jarnita Petty Brown of Buffalo NY, Carrie Petty Givens of Long Beach CA, Earnestine (James) Montgomery of Flint MI and Betty Jean Wideman of Flint MI; brothers, Cartrey Petty of Columbus MS, James Ely (Geraldine) of Columbus MS, Willie J. (Cee Cee) Petty of Memphis TN, James Earl (Geraldine) Petty of Crawford MS, and Lee A. (Gloria) Petty of Columbus MS; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Jessie James Petty

September 21, 1943 - January 17, 2023

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Jessie James Petty

September 21, 1943 - January 17, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support