Jane Eula Pettigrew

My Momma was a hard working woman all of her life. She started from scratch with her eyes on a rainbow. She loved her family well in her own way. Sometimes that love was hard to understand by us but in the end it rang loud and true. She had a whole lot of common sense with which she taught us in her own way. Our memories of her are long and strong and our relationship with her came to be a beautiful thing in parts and, together, as a whole. She loved hard, was loyal, and could whistle tunes that could make the birds stop and listen. Many more than one family member has been comforted by a quilt or afghan she made without a pattern. She was a wonderful person in her own right. Her mind could trick you and treat you in one breath. I love you Momma!! *** Song: Momma's Hand I said goodbye to that poor little mining town With just a few old clothes that had made the rounds I knew I was leaving a lot of things that were good But I thought I’d make a break while I still could. As I looked back to wave once more To mama crying in the door For me and for what the world might have in store For she knew I’d never be her little girl no more She was drifting back to another time When she was young and hoped to find A better life than what her mama’s had been And it was hard to let go of mama’s hand My mama’s hand One old paper bag full of hand-me-downs Plain old country girl raised on gospel sound With only the love she gave me – pride in what I am And it was hard to let go of mama’s hand My mama’s hand I thought of all the years she slaved Thought of all the love she gave ‘Tried to make this run-down shack a home A dream that really died ‘fore it was born. But she pulled us through the hardest times And made us hold our head up high A gift we carry with us all our lives For we were oh so special in mama’s eyes As I looked back down that dusty road To mama and her heavy load I knew what I was leavin’ – I’d never find again And it was hard to let go of mama’s hand My mama’s hand One old paper bag filled with hand-me-downs Plain old country girl raised on gospel sound With only the love she gave me – pride in what I am And it was hard to let go of mama’s hand My mama’s hand

Janet Pettigrew-Elliott - Daughter

Janie was my sister in law, the wife of my oldest brother, Bill. Although I didn't know her as well as some of my family, as we lived far apart, I did know her well enough to know the love she had for her family.She was unique in her own way, and remained a member of the Pettigrew Family in her heart even after my brother Bill died, and she began a new marriage. She spent several months taking care of my mother who lived in Mississippi in spite of this marriage. Her new home in Heaven will be far more perfect than the home she tried to make perfect in this world. And she will be missed and remembered by all who knew her. Go with much Love Janie

I, too, remember Aunt Jane's whistling. It fascinated me when she would someimes whistle along with Uncle Bill when he sang. I also remember the family get togethers at their house in West Covina, CA. Uncle Bill would bring out his guitar and start singing. It was great! The food was great too. Aunt Jane could throw things together without a recipe, "Just a little of this and a little dab of this." It taste delicious. She is missed. I hope she is whistling in God's ear along with Uncle Bill's singin' and pickin' and Grandma's yodelling. All my love to my dear cousins and their families. Diana