Lela Mae Pettway's Obituary
Lela Mae Pettway passed peacefully May 21, 2020 at Kaiser Permanente hospital in Vacaville, CA.
Lela Mae, “Sweetie” to all who loved her, was born December 25, 1935 in Montgomery, Alabama to parents Eliza Jane Pettway and Pet Pettway. Lela was the oldest girl of 11 children born to the union. Lela attended the Mobile Continuation School in Plateau, Alabama until her family moved to Houston, Texas. She then moved from Houston to San Francisco, California in 1953 where she finished her training at John Adams Adult School. She also attended San Francisco Community College for one year.
Lela joined the Neighborhood Baptist Church in December 1980 and was an active member for over 32 years. She loved her church family, choir and mission. She left Neighborhood Baptist Church in 2012 and joined the True Love Baptist Church in Fairfield where she was a devoted member until she passed. Lela showed her care of others through her work as a home health aide for five years and her work at Laguna Honda Hospital where she worked for 19 ½ years until she retired in December 2000.
Lela enjoyed reading and movies. She could often be found walking and would say that walking was therapy for her, because when she was walking, she had no problems. She was also an avid lover of music and listen to many genres though it would be no surprise to anyone that gospel was her favorite.
“Sweetie” was preceded in death by her parents, 9 siblings, and her sons Robert Cunningham Jr, III and Stanley Cunningham. She leaves to celebrate her life, her daughter Friendgela Garcia and her sons Jerry Pettway and Freddie Cunningham, one brother, Kalahari Dom Juma, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of others.
She will be missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Lela Mae?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lela Mae?
Share a story where Lela Mae's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lela Mae you’ll never forget.
How did Lela Mae make you smile?