Princess Phyllis Petty

Princess Phyllis Petty was born on Thursday, June 1, 1961, in Buffalo, New York. She was called home to be with The LORD on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Princess was a devoted Christian as a member of St. James Christian Center, Church Of God In Christ, 2713 Northland Plaza Drive, Columbus, Ohio. She accepted Christin her heart at an early age at Peyton Temple, Church Of God In Christ, Syracuse, New York under the leadership of the late Pastor C. Peyton. She later moved to Albany, New York with her parents and siblings where they joined Wilburn Temple Church Of God In Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop Wilburn. It was here where Princess would shout and dance under the Anointing of the Holy Ghost.  Her mother and siblings would tell the stories of how the members would move the chairs at the church while she praised God. From there the Petty family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and became members at First Church Of God In Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop Vaughn. In 1976, Princess joined Pentecostal Tabernacle, Church Of God In Christ, Columbus, Ohio under the leadership of her father, the late Pastor Leon Petty, Sr. After the retirement of her father, she became a member of Meredith Temple, Church of God in Christ, Columbus, Ohio under the leadership of the late Elder Hezekiah Meredith. After college and moving back to Columbus from Denver, Colorado, Princess moved her membership to Northland Church of Christ and later Genesee Church of Christ. In 2010 Princess became a founding member of St. James Christian Center, under the leadership of her nephew, Bishop James DeLaney, Jr., where she was the Director of Graphic Arts until the time of her death.

In Princess’ educational spectrum, she was a graduate of East High School in Columbus, Ohio. Before matriculating as a graduate student at The Ohio State University, Princess earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree from Columbus College of Art and Design. Following graduation, Princess took her talents to Denver, Colorado where she spent years spreading her wings, enhancing her art skills and began her career.

While Princess was employed at the King Arts Complex, Columbus, Ohio, she also worked as an elementary school teacher within the Columbus Public Schools District.  However, Princess enjoyed her entrepreneurship in her own businesses “R.A.P” Rucker And Petty Graphic Designs as well as owner of the brick and mortar store “Red Paint Fine Arts and Crafts”. Her artwork, floral arrangements, graphic designs, and paintings are not only displayed in her home, but in her church, in the homes of extended family and friends, and in museums.

Princess was a most devoted mother and Mumsi, who also just loved her extended family, of which she gave everyone a nickname, and people in general. We witnessed her love of people in the several social and friend groups that she maintained a very active participation in throughout her life which included her longest group “The Breakfast Club”, who were all joined together by her side 2 days before her passing.  Princess was a very “REGAL” person, which was displayed in her love for dressing up, as she sometimes coined the words, “fancy fancy”!!!

Princess served extremely faithfully at St. James Christian Center, Church Of God In Christ, where not only displayed her talents of graphic art and designs in the Church bulletins, but in so many capacities, including the logo for The Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Church Of God In Christ.

Princess is preceded in death by both of her parents, Rev. Leon and Evangelist Missionary JoAnn Petty, her beloved sisters, Cecilia Yvonne Petty, Georgia Ann Petty, and beloved brothers William James Petty and Rev. Dr. Leon Jalik Petty, Jr.

Princess had a special love for her Children and Granddaughter. She thoroughly enjoyed time with all her Nieces, Nephews, Great-Nieces, Great-Nephews and her Great-Great Niece telling each of them that she was their “Favorite Auntie Princess” and that she was indeed! She will be forever remembered as loyal to her family, church and friends near and far. Princess was one who loved entertaining family and friends in her home, cooking impeccable meals and serving them in Royal Style like only she could. She also loved to dress up, put her make-up on, wear her high heels and look pretty. She will be sadly missed by her children, granddaughter, siblings, extended family and all who knew her.

Princess leaves to cherish her exemplary loving memories, her only son, Xavier, her three daughters Princess Sabella, Gabrielle Inez and Arielle HeavenLeigh, and her most beloved granddaughter, Princess Helena (Mumsi’s Baby). Her siblings Jacqueline Elise DeLaney, Priscilla Folks, Lawrence Petty, Deborah (John) Bechard, Eunice Inez (Richard) Newsome, Diamond Starr, John Mark Petty, Pastor T. J. Petty (Mitzi), Patrick (Maritza) Petty, Yolanda (Corey) Miller. Her Beloved Aunt Geneva Tolbert of Chicago, Illinois, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

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