Alice Pettus

Alice Cornelia Pettus (neé Johnson) departed this life April 29, 2026, at the age of 100. Born January 29, 1926, in Holden, West Virginia, she was the eldest child of Ella E. Allen and David A. “Jack” Johnson. 

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pettus was preceded in death by her husband, Albert E. Pettus, Jr.; stepfather Claude W. Allen; grandparents Ben H. and Jessie A. McDowell; son Henry R. Eldridge; granddaughter Teresa D. Allen; grandsons Eric M. Wright and Cornelius S. Wright; sisters Myrtis Johnson and Katherine Johnson; brothers Richard Johnson and Henry C. McDowell; brother-in-law Willie F. Pettus, Sr.; sisters-in-law Lillian E. Pettus and Lillian Johnson; and cousins Karen Hill and Carrie E. Barksdale.

Mrs. Pettus spent her childhood in Harriman and Lafollette, Tennessee. She was a graduate of Lafollette Colored High School, where she served as captain of both the girls’ basketball and softball teams. She continued her education, and later earned a certificate from the Tennessee School of Beauty. 

Upon marrying Albert Earl Pettus, Jr., the young newlyweds relocated to Los Angeles, California, where Mrs. Pettus was the Pâtissier for Hollywood’s School System. After the untimely death of her beloved husband, Mrs. Pettus left Los Angeles, California and returned to East Tennessee, residing in Oak Ridge and working at the United States Postal Service until retirement. During her tenure at the post office, she served as secretary for the local USPS Union for several years.

Mrs. Pettus was an active member of Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

She was a devout Christian who dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. Her enthusiasm and passion for the church were demonstrated through her love for others and her spirit of servitude.  Mrs. Pettus always believed one should show up for Christ and the community, and she lived by this principle. When she joined Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church more than 50 years ago, she immediately became an active member. Mrs. Pettus served as President of the Usher Board and later became Founder of the Junior Usher Board,  where she mentored young people into a life of serving Christ and the church.  Her commitments didn’t stop there as she was also the Vice President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. In this organization, she received her Life Matron stole, signaling her ongoing participation in both local and district level committees.  Mrs. Pettus also earned a Connectional Stole due to her hours of dedication as a Lay Council member.  As a Founding Member of the Stovall Circle, Mrs. Pettus ensured the church’s reach extended beyond its walls by supporting youth basketball teams in the Scarboro Community.

Mrs. Pettus ensured that her talents were dedicated to God’s service as well. As a talented seamstress, Mrs.Pettus sewed costumes for special programs, such as the Annual Christmas Pageant and made choir robes for the Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church’s Youth Choir. 

Her love for music was evident through her avid support of Spurgeon Chapel’s Voices of Faith Young Adult Singing Group. It was not unusual to find Mrs. Pettus chauffeuring the singers to and from practices and events, while also helping with their equipment and attire.

Through this outlet many in the East Tennessee region discovered Mrs. Pettus unique eye for clothing design and style. She often received numerous requests to see original pieces and customized outfits for milestone occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Her sewing talents enabled to her create fashion with or without a pattern. Even Mrs. Pettus’s personal wardrobe was comprised of clothes she designed and sewed herself. Her impeccable taste for fashion meant each outfit was elevated with coordinating hats, gloves, handbags, and shoes.  

Outside of the church, Mrs. Pettus was member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP), Church Women United, and the Guiding Light Circle. She was also a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), where she participated in Sit-In activities in different locations throughout the City of Oak Ridge during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Having worked as a Pastry Chef in California, she was known to be an accomplished baker. Many people in the community sought specialty her cakes, cookies, and other curated delicacies as she often created her own recipes.  

Her passion and commitment to public service extended beyond the church and into organizations throughout the City of Oak Ridge. Mrs. Pettus was heavily involved with the Girl Scouts of America, where she served as Troop Leader for Brownie Troop #75, mentoring young girls in the Scarboro Community. Mrs. Pettus was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 80 years.

Beyond community service, Mrs. Pettus enjoyed, sewing, culinary arts, performing music, dancing, and world travel.

Mrs. Pettus is survived by her granddaughter who she raised and was her sole caregiver, Cornelia Wright; granddaughter, Angela Eldridge of Knoxville, TN; granddaughter-in-law, Felicia Howard of Oak Ridge, TN; grandsons, Craig Greenlee of Williamsburg, KY, Henry R. (Andrea) Eldridge Jr. of Harriman, TN, Alex Wright Sr. of Knoxville, TN, Quincy Wright of Knoxville, TN, Hubert (Rosie) Wright Sr. of Kelso, WA, and Walter Wright of Nashville, TN; 

brother, Raymond Johnson of Lexington, KY;  great- grandchildren, Andrea Eldridge, Meghan Smith, Alex Wright, Jr., Chyna Wright, Sa’Rhi Wright, Ronni Salinas, Toni Wright, Kamryn Wright, Elijah Wright, Titus Wright, John Wright, Hubert Wright, Jr., Tayveon-Garrett Crowley,  Devin Wright, and Mason Wright;  nieces and nephews, Jessica A. Hill of Los Angeles, CA ; Michelene Milsap of Los Angeles, California ; Jeanie Harrison of San Diego, California ; the Pettus Family of Oak Ridge, TN; the Johnson Family of Lexington, KY;  the Hill Family of Los Angeles, CA; cousins, the Barksdale Family of Harriman, TN; special friends, Laura Jarnigan, Alma Stevens, Angela Stevens, Rose Weaver, Norma Ward, and Alyssa Lopes; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Cornelia would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Mrs. Pettus’ care team, Marynell Ellis, Kristen Osborne, Timiah Terry, Shane Woodell, Michael S. Williams Sr., and Michael Ellis.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Pettus will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Spurgeon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Oak Ridge, TN, starting at 11:45 a.m., where she will receive Last Rites from the Order of Eastern Star (open to the public). Traditional service will follow with the Receiving of Friends at 12:30 p.m. and the Eulogy Service starting at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Erica Haigler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Spurgeon Chapel AME Zion Church in honor of Mrs. Pettus.

Jarnigan and Son Mortuary are in charge of the arrangements.