Denise Petty

Denise Petty, 66, of Hope Mills, North Carolina, passed away on March 13, 2022 at her residence.

Denise was born on November 1, 1955 and grew up in Wilmington, Ohio. She graduated from Wilmington High School and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

She was the daughter of the late John Petty and Jane Ostrander Petty. She was the youngest of five children and the first to take them all to church.

Denise loved the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul, and she was willing to share her faith with anyone. She was an active member of Manna Church, where she was easily recognized each Sunday morning, working in the church parking lot, greeting everyone with a big smile and a warm welcome.

The Lord, her family, her church, her friends, and her animals were her passion. She had a love for animals, rescuing hundreds of cats and dogs over the years.

Before moving to Hope Mills, Denise was a Travel Director for the E.F. McDonald Company, leading group tours to many exciting, exotic destinations throughout the world. Denise retired as Director of the Fayetteville and Hope Mills YMCA.

Denise had a special bond with her parents, sisters, and brothers. She is survived by her sister, Dale Fuller; brother, Dr. John Petty Jr. and wife Pam; sister-in-law, Phyllis Petty; and brother-in-law Ken Byers. She was a loving aunt to 14 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews, remembering all of them on their birthdays and special occasions. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Diane Byers and a brother, Duane Petty.

In memory of Denise Petty, please reach out and help someone in need - just as she would. Denise had a special affinity for those who were struggling with life's difficulties, including both lonely people and stray animals.

A memorial service to celebrate Denise's life will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Wilmington at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16.