Lillian Petty

Lillian Petty was born May 30, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Mr. Lawrence Petty and the late Mrs. Hattie Lee (Redding) Petty. She was the oldest of three children born to this union and departed this life on June 8, 2026 after living a fulfilling life . Lillian was known to many as Lillian Redding.

She joined Sardis Missionary Baptist Church of Kennesaw, GA at an early age, and gave her life to Christ where she eventually served on the Senior Usher Board and later joined the Mother’s Ministry.

Lillian dropped out of school in the seventh grade to help take care of her family by working in the cotton fields and later found employment as a presser at NuWay Cleaners & Laundry in Marietta. She worked at NuWay for most of her adult life and later worked for several other dry cleaners before retiring. Where she lacked book sense, she had an abundance of wisdom. Back in the day, Lillian was known as a “party animal” and could be found at the clubs on Lawrence Street on the weekends. She enjoyed traveling later in life and loved Christmas decorations.

Lillian lived a long life and was known to her family (and others) as one who said whatever was on her mind (no filter), kept them laughing, and never forgot anything. She spent her final years being the “unofficial” security guard on her street, listening to the gospel radio station while at the same time watching tv, and looking forward to her Wednesday night gospel tv show (Reggie Gay).

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband - Jesse (Spud) McKenzie, her sister - Irene Petty, and her brother - Ralph Redding.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her two daughters, Harreal (Francisco) Peters and daughter Robin Daniel; four grandsons, Antonio (Katrina) Hines, Anthony (Candace) Daniel, Demetrius Daniel and Darrius Daniel; 16 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; two nieces – Regina Carter and Rosita Watts; special cousins – Veronica Musgrove and Kenneth Redding, and special friends - Stella Carthers and Stephanie Brown; along with other relatives and friends.