Mildred Pettett departed this life on October 29, 2012 at the age of 94 years.  She was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her.  Her warm countenance, upbeat personality, generous and loving nature were extended to everyone she knew.  Though small of stature, she was large in all the qualities that exhibited love and meaning to life.  And the love she gave others was returned in overflowing abundance by her family, friends, co-workers, and even acquaintances.
   Mildred was born in 1918 in Ducktown, Tennessee, the second daughter of ten children born to Mamie and Bob Styles.  After graduating from high school, she and her older sister, Jewell, moved to Trion, Georgia, for employment with Riegel Textile Corporation.  Her family followed the following year.  In 1937, she married Victor Pettett, the love of her life, and four children were born to their union:  Nancy (Kenneth) Lively, Kitty (Bruce) Davies, Victor (Cindy) Pettett, and Joye (Donny) Peppers.
   From her beginning employment in the Spinning Room at Riegel, Mildred advanaced to become the first ever female Laboratory Manager and department head.  While there, she formulated a chemical solution for cleaning fabrics, which she called "Snake Oil," and which is still used today in Finishing Plants throughout the country.  She retired after 45 years. 
   Throughout her life, Mildred pursued numerous educational opportunities–studying math and accounting through Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia Extension Programs; two-and-a-half years of chemistry at the International Correspondence School; public speaking at Dale Carnegie; and for 25 years attended tax accounting seminars offered by the University of Georgia Extension.  In addition to her career at Riegel, in 1962 she opened a Tax Accounting and Bookkeeping bushiness in her home, and continued that work for 35 years before leaving the business to her daughter-in-law, Cindy.
   In 1986, Mildred became a volunteer bookkeeper/treasurer for  the North Georgia Crisis Pregnancy Center, a work she believed in with all her heart.  After six years, she was named Director, and within weeks was asked to open and direct a second Pregnancy Center in nearby LaFayette.  Her dedication to the "right to life" and her concern and empathy for the women of Chattooga County led her to become a very effective fund raiser for the Center.  Her Baby Bottle Campaign and her personal appearances in churches raised thousands of dollars. 
   In February 2000, from among several worthy candidates, Mildred was chosen as the "Woman of Distinction" in the Business Leaders category in Northwest Georgia.  This is one of many honors and recognitions Mildred received during her long and illustrious life.
   At the top of her list of values, was her Christian faith commitment.  She was a member of Trion First Baptist Church all of her adult life, teaching Sunday School for 42 years, and singing in the adult choir for 30 years.  Along with these, she participated in the church's mission programs preparing meals and sitting with the ill and hospitalized, providing money for emergencies and visiting the indigent.
   Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Jewell Hardeman, and brothers Clarence and Robert Styles.  She is survived by her four children and spouses, twelve grandchildren, 14 geat grandchildren, sisters, Regina (Hugh) Noble, Betty (Edgar) Ferrell, Peggy (O. G.) Morehead, Marlyn (James) Meredith, Annette Woodard, and a multitude of extended family and friends who mourn her passing.  In the words of the writer of Proverbs, "We rise up to call her blessed."
   Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Trion First Baptist Church where the family will receieve friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
   Funeral services will be Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Trion First Baptist Church with Dr. Floyd Roebuck and Rev. Warren Moorehead officiating.  Interment will be in the West Hill Cemetery.
   Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers are the following:  Margaret Henderson"s Sunday School Class, Ben Adams, Wes Chisolm, Bill Davies, John Davies, Greg Ferrell, Clark Miller, Zach Pettett, and Brad Wolfrum.
   In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Georgia Pregnancy Crisis Center would be gratefully appreciated, P. O. Box 407, Summerville, GA  30747.