Lorella Pettus

B. Lorella Pettus of Farmington passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at Des Peres Hospital, at the age of 83 years. She was born on February 14, 1927, in St. Francois County, the daughter of the late Marvin and Lottie Christine (Willis) Welch. She was also preceded in death by first husband, Lonnie Stricklin, her second husband, James Gillespie, a sister, Dorothy Harris, a son and her daughter-in-law, Richard and Judy Stricklin, and a grandson, Bradley Stricklin. Mrs. Pettus was a lifelong member of Three Rivers Baptist Church, where she played the piano for the church. She enjoyed playing the piano for the Presbyterian Manor church services. She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Bearl Pettus, two children, Rodger Stricklin (Brenda) of Irondale, Andrea Angie Politte (Don) of Farmington, three sisters, Edna Rolens and Elsie Henderson (Victor), all of Farmington, and Pat Stam of Park Hills, a brother-in-law, Ernie Harris of Farmington, five grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, step-children, step-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends also survive. The family will receive friends at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Visitation will resume on Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at Three Rivers Baptist Church with the Rev. David Wright officiating, assisted by the Rev. Steven Thomas. Burial will be at Three Rivers Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Three Rivers Baptist Church or Cemetey. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.