of Searcy, AR

April 29, 1943 - July 31, 2022

Rachel Janette Petty, ''Nanny'', gained her angel wings the night of July 31st, 2022 at the age of 79.

Nanny's life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her, understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts will greatly exceed the quantity of time that she was with us here on Earth. Nanny married her high school sweetheart, Gordon, on the day of their graduation from high school, May 18, 1961. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education and worked as a school teacher for 38 years. Nanny was talented and adventurous in many aspects of her life. She was a master of sewing, an avid reader and an amazing cook. When Nanny wasn't teaching or reading, she could be found at the lake with her family, in her sewing room hand-making Christmas outfits for her grandchildren or in the kitchen cooking biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Not a day went by where Nanny didn't talk about how much her children and grandchildren meant to her. They were undoubtedly her most important achievement in her life.

Nanny is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Petty; her children, Mark Petty, Brian Petty (Dawn Adams) and Marsha Partney (Andy Partney); her grandchildren, Brooke Brumley (Matthew Brumley), Rickey Nicks, Chandler Petty (Vanessa Petty), Alexandra Petty, Charli Partney, Haylee Petty, Brooks Petty, Benjamin Partney; her great grandchildren, Emery Brumley, Kai Brumley, Leeland Brumley and Lathym Nicks; her brothers, Donald Branch and Harold Branch, along with her sister, Jessie Mae Shirley (Bill); her best friend, Kathleen Vaughan; her special friend and caregiver, Angie Davis and last but not least, her beloved companion dog, Jasper. Nanny was predeceased by her parents, Amery C. and Dessie Branch and her daughter-in-law, Lorri Petty.

A memorial service will be held at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home on Saturday, August 6th at 12:00pm. Visitation for family will begin at 11:00 am. Located at 411 E Race St, Searcy, AR 72143. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial contribution to Families First, 307 Judge Smith Drive, Marion, AR 72364.

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