Shirley Kirk Pettit

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Shirley Kirk Pettit of New Market TN, loving wife, mother of three sons, grandmother of six, and one great grand child, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Shirley was born on July 7,1936 in Mohawk, TN. Shirley was an only child. Her parents, Estle “Bub” & Mary Alice Kirk (Bible) proceeded Shirley in death. Shirley always was surrounded by family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Shirley grew up, mainly in Greene County, but traveled around the Tennessee River Valley as her father surveyed for TVA. Shirley married the love of her life, Doyle Pettit on July 3, 1955, at Bethel Baptist Church in Hamblen County, TN. They were happily married, crazy for each other, for 64 years. Doyle preceded Shirley in death in 2019 and Shirley mourned for him terribly. They had three sons, Tony, Mark and Doug. Daughter-in-Laws Gabriella, Tina, and Melanie; grandchildren Kate (Ben Eller), Jessika, Rebekah (Britton Robinson), Molly (Alex Hall), Maggie, and Grayson Pettit. Shirley had one great grandson, John William Pettit. Shirley always welcomed you into her home. Her talent for entertaining guests was amazing. Whether invited guests for Thanksgiving or surprise dinners guest(s) that Doyle would invite at the spur of the moment (which happened a great deal), Shirley would make one feel welcomed and well fed. Shirley was sharp, had a great sense of humor, polite, and the epitome of a southern lady. Shirley will be sorely missed by all who knew her. An active member of Nances Grove Baptist Church for over 50 years, Shirley enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes, helping with the Youth, and directing Vacation Bible School, as well as church plays. She was an active member of Strawberry Plains FCE club for over 35 years. Shirley was very proud to have served on the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Board in the 1990s, and was instrumental in choosing and recruiting physicians to the hospital. Shirley worked for several years for Jefferson County Court for Judge Goddard and Judge Teddy Willocks. She worked for several years on the Election Commission. She was proud to serve her church and her community. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jefferson Park of White Pine and the facilitators for the loving care shown to Shirley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Nance Grove Baptist Church’s College Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 337, New Market, Tn. 37820 or Parrott-Wood Public Library in Strawberry Plains, TN. Funeral Service 7:00 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Fielden Funeral Home with Rev. Sonny Fultz officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm prior to the service at Fielden Funeral Home. Graveside service 10:30 am Friday in Fairview Baptist Cemetery, Mohawk, TN. The family will receive friends Friday from 9:00 am - 10:00 am prior to the graveside service at Fairview Baptist Church in Mohawk, TN. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pettit Family.

Shirley Kirk Pettit

July 7, 1936 - October 11, 2024