On October 9, 1957, a daughter was born to RJ and Wanda Tillman. Her name was Valeta Marlene Tillman Pettigrew . She graduated from Troup High School in May of 1976. She then went on to attend Texas State Technical College in Waco, TX where she received an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design Technology in 1978. She moved and began working at Eastman Kodak Company in Longview, TX as a drafter. In 2018, she retired after working at Eastman for 40 years.

Sister Pettigrew joined Greater New Faith Baptist Church of Troup, TX at a young age. She later joined Galilee Baptist Church of Longview, TX . She was a faithful and devoted member, dedicated to serving the Lord in all capacities until she became ill. Sister Pettigrew had tremendous love for her church and church family. Following retirement, Valeta was also an avid and cheerful volunteer at the Longview Community Out-Reach Mission.

On April 4, 1981, she was united in marriage to Clarence Ray Pettigrew of Whitehouse. To this union, two daughters were born.

Sister Pettigrew was preceded in death by her parents, RJ and Wanda Tillman; and her brother, Dwight Ray Tillman (Andretta Brown Tillman).

On Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6:30pm, the Lord called Sister Pettigrew from her labors to a reward of rest and peace. To mourn her passing, she leaves her husband, Clarence Pettigrew of Longview; daughters Candace Harris (Derek) and Valyse Pettigrew, of Houston; her brother, Dwain Keith Tillman (Renita) of Houston; granddaughters, McKinley Rae Trammell and Carrington Diane Harris, both of Houston; brother-in-law, Ravon Pettigrew (Felecia) of Tyler; sisters-in-law, Brenda Bowie (James) of Whitehouse, Beverly Campbell of Whitehouse, and Angela Foster of Troup, and special friends, Debra Robertson and Joyce Loche ; nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of friends; and the Galilee Baptist Church family.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Memorial Park, address 1310 W Northwest Loop 323 Tyler, TX.