Denise Petty, 66, of Hope Mills, passed away on March 13, 2022, at her residence.

Denise was born on November 1, 1955, and grew up in Wilmington, Ohio. She graduated from Wilmington High School and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late John Petty and Jane Ostrander Petty. She was the youngest of 5 children and the first to take them all to church.

Denise loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul, and she was willing to share her faith with anyone. She was an active member of Manna Church, where she was easily recognized each Sunday morning, working in the church parking lot, greeting everyone with a big smile and a warm welcome. The Lord, her family, her church, her friends, and her animals were her passion. She had a love for all animals, rescuing hundreds of cats and dogs over the years.

Before moving to Hope Mills, Denise was a Travel Director for the E.F. McDonald Company, leading group tours to many exciting, exotic destinations throughout the world. Denise retired as Director of the Fayetteville and Hope Mills YMCA.

Denise had a special bond with her parents, sisters, and brothers. She is survived by her sister, Dale Fuller; brother, Dr. John Petty, Jr. and wife Pam; and she was a loving aunt to 14 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews, remembering all of them on their birthdays and special occasions.

In memory of Denise Petty, please reach out and help someone in need—just as she would. Denise had a special affinity for those who were struggling with life's difficulties, including both lonely people and stray animals.

Please join us for our Celebration of Denise's Life at Manna Church, Sunday, April 3rd, at 3:00 pm. The service will be held in the chapel of building A on the second floor, at 5117 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com