Betty Jane Pettit (nee Howard), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community servant, passed away on July 19, 2024, at her home in Mooresville, N.C. She was born on December 1, 1937, in Cuba, N.Y., to her loving parents, Blanche D. (nee Johnson) and Leslie C. Howard.

Betty’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her family and the causes she held dear. She was married to Charles “Bob” Pettit in Ellicottville, N.Y., on September 19, 1959, and together they raised three sons, Joshua T. Pettit, David L. Pettit (Marie), and John A. Pettit (Kimberly), who were the light of her life. Her grandchildren, David R., Matthew J., Neil W. Pettit, and Elizabeth C. Dunfey (Kevin), brought immeasurable joy into Betty’s world. Betty is also survived by her brother, James W. Howard, and was predeceased by siblings, William E., Donald L. and Donna L. Howard, and several nieces and nephews.

Throughout her lifetime Betty demonstrated an unyielding commitment to serving others through various avenues, including school activities for her children as they pursued their dreams; church events for Churchill Memorial United Methodist Church and West Church LKN, where she found solace in faith; Boston Volunteer Fire Company initiatives that allowed her to protect the community of Boston, N.Y., that she cherished so deeply; and Boy Scout programs where she mentored and supported her children and the entire troop.

Betty faced tremendous challenges throughout her life but always emerged stronger than before. As a two-time cancer survivor herself (lung and kidney), she fought valiantly against the disease with grace and courage, inspiring all those around her with hope for brighter days ahead.

For the last 11 years Betty bravely confronted Alzheimer’s disease, which tested not only her strength but also that of everyone who loved her dearly. Despite this formidable adversary, Betty refused to be silenced or defeated by it — instead becoming a beacon of inspiration as she shared candid insights about living with Alzheimer’s through social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and thus raising awareness to nearly a million followers about this debilitating illness while offering comfort and support to others facing similar struggles worldwide.

Her tireless efforts led Betty to become one of the top 50 fundraisers globally for the Alzheimer’s Association — raising over $70,000 for the disease — an accomplishment that reflected both the depth of compassion within herself as well as the profound impact she had on countless lives touched by this devastating condition.

A funeral service will be held at Cavin -Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. where friends and family can gather together one last time to honor Betty’s remarkable legacy. The family will receive friends and family from 12 to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation towards finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease via The Alzheimer’s Association, an organization close to Betty’s heart. Donate at ImBetty.com.

Betty will be laid to rest in Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville, N.C., and forever remain etched within our hearts as we carry forward memories filled with laughter, love, resilience and boundless kindness. Her spirit shall continue shining brightly through each act of generosity performed in remembrance; every moment spent cherishing family bonds; and each instance when we choose empathy over indifference. May we find solace knowing that though physically parted from us now, she remains ever present within our souls guiding us along paths paved by enduring affection.

Rest peacefully, dearest Betty, knowing your legacy of love and kindness endures across generations leaving behind indelible footprints upon sands traversed by humanity itself.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Pettit family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.