Nellie Pearl Baldwin Pettis
May 30, 1927 - September 26, 2024
97 Years
Services October 7, 2024
12 Noon
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
3826 Wheeler Avenue
Houston, Texas 77004

Nellie Pearl Baldwin Pettis was born in Richards, Texas on May 30, 1927.  She was one of two daughters born to Ellis Baldwin and Luceal Oliver Baldwin.  She passed on Thursday, September 26, 2024, peacefully in her sleep at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center.

Her husband William Ellis Pettis of thirty years preceded her in death 28 years ago.  Also, preceding her in death were her parents, Ellis and Luceal Baldwin, sister Ruth Walker, nephew Donald Sandling, and niece Benita Belton.

Nellie was fondly referred to as "Auntie" by her nieces and nephews.  Her friends called her Nell.  She graduated from high school in Richards and attended Prairie View A&M University for her bachelor's and master's degrees in education.  She taught second-grade reading and fifth-grade general studies at Goose Creek Independent School District for 25 years before retiring.  After retiring she helped her husband at the Pettis Fashions and Boutique on Dowling and Main Streets.  As a political advocate, she volunteered at the Harris County Democratic Party office and, worked as an election officer leading up to and during election day at the West Grey Multipurpose Center.

Nell participated in women's organizations throughout her life.  She was baptized early at First Baptist Church in Richards, Texas, and was an active member of the Woman's Guild at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for many years.  Nell also participated in Houston's women's groups; one organization was the Top Ladies.

She leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.  Surviving nieces and nephews are Cheryl Kimball, Jacqueline Sneed, Melody Ellis, Monica Glover, Karen Perkins, Willie Charles Walker, Milton Walker, Craig Walker, Johnny Ray Walker, Eligha Ellis, Jr., Rodney Ellis, Byron Cook, and Henry Cook, Jr.  Surviving great nieces are Courtney Freeman, Tysha Lewis, Tamia Sandling, and Tephanie Harrison.  Surviving great nephews are Corey Sneed and Bobby Johnson.   Special cousins Leocadia Hooks and Gretta Hooks.

To cherish her memory, donations may be made in her name to The Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Woman's Guild, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004.