Mrs. Mary Loretta Pettit, age 81 of Canton, GA, passed away on Monday, June 9th, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Pettit was born on October 15th, 1943 in Canton, GA to the late James Lewis Cain and the late Alma Christine Heard Cain. She was the beloved former "First Lady" of Turniptown Baptist Church in Ellijay, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, love, and service. As the devoted wife of a preacher, Rev. Leon Pettit, she took her role in the church with the utmost seriousness, offering spiritual support and heartfelt prayers to many throughout the community. Loretta loved the Lord with all her heart, and her unwavering faith made Him the center of her life and marriage. The Lord was simply everything to her. A dedicated member of Turniptown Baptist Church, she was not only a spiritual pillar but also a talented entrepreneur, owning and operating Cherokee Taxidermy, where she worked as a skilled taxidermist. In her free time, Loretta was an avid crafter and quilter, pouring creativity and care into everything she made. Her kindness, strength, and faith-filled life touched many and will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pettit is preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Rev. Leon Pettit.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dirk (Peggy) Pettit of Ellijay, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Tabra (Terry) Word of Canton, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Alton (Brenda) Cain of Canton, GA; two grandchildren, Garrett (Caitlin) Pettit and Joseph Worley; four great-grandchildren, Oaklyn Pettit, Lydia Reidinger, Emmy Reidinger, and Camille Reidinger, and numerous church family and friends also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Pettit will be held on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Turniptown Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Jones, Rev. Donnie Cantrell, and Rev. Russell Burt officiating. The Turniptown Baptist Church Choir will perform the vocals with the church deacons serving as pall bearers. Graveside interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family will be accepting food and flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Mr. John Morrow at 5125 B Turniptown Road, Ellijay, GA 30536.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.