BILLIE JEAN PETTY

Obituary BILLIE JEAN PETTY Billie Jean Petty, also known as “Mrs. P”, was the second of two children, born November 1, 1933 to Mable and Harold Hughes in St. Joseph, Missouri. At the age of five years old, the family relocated to Kansas City, Kansas. When Billie Jean was twelve years old, her mother married George Stallings, Sr., who loved and raised her as his own, along with his three children. She was educated in the Kansas City, Kansas School District and was a Graduate of Sumner High School, Class of 1951. Upon graduation from high school, Billie Jean married Calvin G. Owens in 1951 and relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas, where Calvin was in the Military. To this union, two children were born; Barry Craig and Lynn Michelle. After the marriage was dissolved, she returned to Kansas City, Kansas. In 1962, she was united in marriage to Earl Petty, Jr. To this union, two children were born; Earlita Loree and Derrick Errol (Rocky). Billie Jean was a Licensed Cosmetologist and a Seamstress. She was employed at Western Electric, Western Auto and retired from the Jackson County Courthouse. She was very active in her Sumner High School Class of 1951 Alumni, where she never missed a reunion celebration. She was involved in many civic, social and community organizations, among them; The NAACP and the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), Cara Chapter. She began her Christian Walk at an early age, at Holsey Chapel, in St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1963 she joined the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ, under the leadership of Reverend Henri Lawson. During her 56 years of service, Billie Jean was a member of the Adult Choir, where she served for 18 years as the President. She will be remembered for her beautiful soprano voice, in which she was the soloist for “Only a look”. In addition, she was a member of The Leviticus Singers, under the direction of Brother Simon Pico Payne, The Gospel Choir, under the direction of Reverend Lucien B. Smith, Sr., The Inspirational Choir, under the direction of Professor Michael L. Charles, The Radio Broadcast Club and the Membership Committee. She had active roles in the church’s plays and productions. She looked forward to being in her Sunday School Class taught by her Prayer Partner, Sister Louella E. Henderson and the Wednesday Morning Bible Class taught by Bishop James D. Tindall, Sr., Pastor Emeritus. Billie Jean was a member of The Women’s Department, The Shepherd’s Fold Advisory Council, Reader of the Acknowledgements and Condolences and The Condolence Clerk. She was a great supporter of the Youth Department and the entire church. At the time of her home going, she was a faithful member of the Mother’s Board. She had a passion for life and lived it well. In earlier years, she enjoyed skating. Her main hobbies were cooking, writing and gardening. She loved her plants and planted beautiful flowers and plants in and around the church. Billie Jean was known throughout Kansas City and beyond for her fantastic cooking. Especially her signature Lemon Cake, Banana Nut Bread, Sweet Potato Pie, Greens and her famous Beans and Hot Water Cornbread. This beautiful, kind, loving and generous lady, loved the Lord and it showed in her daily living. Her favorite Scripture: Psalm 133:1. She always saw to the needs of others. Billie Jean will always be remembered as a loving and devoted daughter to her parents George and Mable Stallings. She loved her family, friends and her church. On August 1, 2019, Mother Billie Jean was ushered into God’s eternal presence, where she is safe in His arms. She was preceded in transition by her parents and her baby sister, Kathlyn Diane Stallings. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, two sons; Barry Craig Owens, Derrick Errol (Rocky) Petty, two daughters; Lynn Michelle Harrelson, Earlita Loree Petty, Five Grandchildren; Michael R. Harrelson, Danyelle Petty, Rochelle Love, Kentrall Gray, Aisha Tucker, Twelve Great-Grandchildren; One Great-Grandchild, Four Brothers: Harold (Toot) Hughes, Sr. (Gloria), George (Puddin) Stallings, Jr., Richard Stallings, Mert Hughes, One Sister; Judy Lavette-Tucker (Tony), Denver, Colorado, Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends; her Sumner High School Class of 1951 Alumni Family and her beloved Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ Family. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Metropolitan Spiritual C.O.G.I.C 1231 Garfield Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation 9:00a.m. Interment Brooking Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of BILLIE JEAN PETTY, please visit our floral store. Read More

BILLIE JEAN PETTY

November 1, 1933 - August 1, 2019