Edith Petty Rich

Mrs. Edith Petty Rich formerly of Pulaski, passed away in Durham, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. She was born in Pulaski on December 15, 1922 and was 93 years old. Mrs. Rich was a 1940 graduate of Giles County High School. She attended Martin Methodist College and graduated in 1944 from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. After graduation from Peabody, she moved to Oak Ridge to teach kindergarten. Mrs. Rich met her husband, Jesse Rich, in 1941 at Martin Methodist College. They continued their romance across thousands of miles during World War II, marrying in April of 1945. Even though Mrs. Rich was busy teaching and raising her family, she was a familiar sight at ballgames for Pulaski Junior High, Giles County High School, and Martin Methodist College. She loved going to Little League and Babe Ruth ballgames, also. Mrs. Rich was well known for her love of animals, her cooking and baking, and children. Her 5 grandchildren were her greatest delight. Music was an integral part of Mrs. Rich's life. She was a pianist, and accompanied singing at Aspen Hill Methodist Church. Her entire family was musical, and she passed this love of music to her daughters. Mrs. Rich was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, first at Aspen Hill and then at First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. Mrs. Rich loved her family and was a Giles County School Teacher for 28 years before retiring. Visitation will be on Friday, October 28th from 4:00 until 7:00 at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home. Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, October 29th at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Lee Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church, 200 West Jefferson Street, Pulaski, Tennessee 38478. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Webster Rich, Jr. son, Jesse Webster Rich III parents, Ed T. Petty, Sr. and Tera Hanna Petty, brothers, Ed T. Petty, Jr. William Harold Petty, and John Morris Petty. She is survived by her, Daughter, Cynthia Rich (David) Shumate of NC Daughter, Mary Ed (Tad) Davis of AL Grandchildren, Jesse Rich Shumate and David Shumate, Jr of NC., William McBride Shumate of Calif. Cynthia Ruth Bailey of TX and Joseph Rich Bailey of AL. Sister-in-law, Carolyn Petty of Pulaski and nephews, Ed T. Petty III and Robert Miller Petty. Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Edith Petty Rich.

Edith Petty Rich

December 15, 1922 - October 25, 2016