Minnie Ann Gauldin Pettaway was born on May 19th, 1927 to Rozelle Gauldin and Pulah Parker of Dyersburg (Dyer County), TN. She shared the joys of her childhood with her family in her home of-origin rural community of Rocksprings, just outside of Dyersburg in west Tennessee.

At an early age, Ann professed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord and was baptized to become a member of the Rocksprings Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where her early faith was nurtured by her family, school, and community...which was "the village" that helped her develop a solid foundation in life and faith.

"Ann" -as she chose to be called after her journey to and relocation in Toledo, joined the Greater St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her health prevented her from attending. Even though she was prevented from attending the gathered assembly of the church, she was daily strengthened and sustained in her faith by her daily reading and meditating in the Word of God, as she sat in her chair in her front room. On the occasion of the 82nd Church Anniversary chaired by Deacon Sammie Jones and Co-Chaired by Sister Ollie B. Jones, Ann received a "Certificate of Longevity and Faithfulness" on June 24th, 2007, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Robert W. Lyons. She and her husband were always encouraged by the Deacon Ministry visitation, as guided and assigned by Pastor Lyons.

Though Ann performed various work assignments at different settings throughout her life, her primary work days consisted of serving as a beautician earlier in life. In addition, she worked at the Election Polling places during elections.

On Tuesday, March 7th, 1972, Ann and Sylvester Pettaway embarked on their sacred and solemn marriage in Toledo, that lasted until death parted them. They loved, honored, cherished, and esteemed each other until the very end. They truly were made "one" in this honorable and holy estate of marriage, as they not only lived together in joy but they also happily travelled together...enjoying each other's company throughout the seasons of life. On February 14th, 2000, Sylvester and Ann Pettaway received a certificate honoring them as "A Special Couple with Joined Hearts in Giving" for their extraordinary devotion to each other and their selfless giving of volunteer service to their community...from Governor Bob and First Lady Hope Taft of the State of Ohio.

Preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Ann Pettaway leaves to mourn her passing: husband and best friend, Sylvester Pettaway; son, Willie James "Jimmy Jr" Murchison, Jr. (Toledo); step-daughter, Delores Cooks (Detroit); goddaughter, Patsy Rios (Toledo); grandchildren, Jamar Murchison (Toledo), Sheila Cooks and Ronald Cooks (Detroit); sisters, Pearlie Reid (Seattle, WA) and Rachel Thompson (Lansing, MI); brothers in-law, Ted (Lenora) Pettaway (Miami), Essie (Esther) Pettaway (Toledo), Sam (Hazel) Pettaway (Toledo); sister in-law, Mikki Pettaway (Toledo), a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Rosaline Hackney (Phoenix, AZ) and Tracy Davidson (Toledo); and host of other friends.