Jean Melnora (Bergerson) Pettigrew

Jean M. Pettigrew, 20 year resident of Oconee County, peacefully passed away on Sunday morning with her loving husband of 73 years by her side. She had suffered a 13 year long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Jean was born in Pueblo, Colorado and graduated high school in Colorado Springs in 1943. That same fall she married Claude O. Pettigrew, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They were married in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 24, 1943, the only day Claude could get a 3 day pass. During the last years of World War II Jean served in the Civil Service in Colorado Springs while Claude was stationed in the South Pacific in the Army Air Corps.

Jean and Claude's legacy includes 4 children, two of which survive, 15 grandchildren, 13 of which survive and 35 greatgrandchildren with a 36th on the way.

Jean experienced the grace of the Lord Jesus in 1956, being the first in her household to accept Him as savior. Through her prayers and discipleship the entire family came to faith in Christ. She came to faith through the work of the Navigator organization, whose home base is Colorado Springs. She had the distinct honor of being mentored one-on-one by Leila Sparks, known at the time as Billy Graham's right hand girl.

Claude and Jean became personal friends of Lorne Sanny, the President of the Navigators. Due to her association with the Navigator organization she was introduced to and fellowshipped with many notable international Christian leaders, such as Dick Halverson, widely known conference speaker and Chaplain of the US Senate, Milton and Chris Vereide, Son and Grandson of the Abraham Vereide who founded the Presidential Prayer Breakfast under Eisenhower, Bill Bright of Campus Crusade, William Townsend, the founder of The Wycliffe Bible Translators, Dr. V. Raymond Edman, the 4th President of Wheaton College, Jack Mitchell of Multnomah Bible College, Charlie Riggs, Billy Graham's advance crusade coordinator, Corrie Ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place, Malcolm Smith, world renowned Bible teacher, to list a few.

Jean experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the mid 1960's and became an active part of the Charismatic Renewal. She moved from Colorado Springs with her family to British Columbia where she, with her husband, headed up a Christian community farm and convention center. She was an avid Bible student and teacher throughout her Christian life. She taught the Bible to individuals, small groups, college classes and large convention gatherings.

In 1996 Jean moved with her husband to be near her children who were living in Watkinsville. Jean and Claude became Charter Members of Grace Fellowship in Oconee County. Her legacy of biblical education and Christian discipleship is carried on by her family, who are grateful for the salvation that the Lord ushered into their hearts through her.

Grace Fellowship, 1120 Malcom Bridge Road, Bogart, will host the funeral service for Jean on Saturday, January, 14th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Fellowship Missions in Jean's name.