Nuella Gaye (Bedford) Petty, age 85, of Bartlett, Tennessee, transitioned to join her husband and son in eternal rest with our God on August 27, 2025.

Born on January 1, 1940, in Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, she was the first baby of the New Year, a joyous moment not only for her parents—Ernestine Virginia (Goe) Bedford and Norvelle Wendell Quinn Bedford of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania—but for the entire Monongahela Valley. Her arrival was celebrated in newspapers and with gifts from local merchants, despite the racial climate of the 1940s. Her unique name, Nuella Gaye, quickly became simply Gaye to her family and childhood friends.

Gaye grew up in the diverse and tightly-knit community of "Seldom Seen" in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, where she began her Christian journey as a member of Speer Street AME Church. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. In adulthood, she was a devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Tennessee and previously worshipped at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, CA.

A proud and passionate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gaye was often seen wearing her beloved AKA colors, most recently at the chapter's (Alpha Alpha Gamma Omega) Charter Day celebration.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Gaye shared her talent through many choirs: Speer Street AME Church, Belle Vernon High School Chorus, the AM&N College Chorus, Holman UMC, and Centenary UMC. She was also known for her graceful dancing, remarkable roller-skating skills, playing the piano, eloquent style, and exceptional cooking—always bringing joy and style wherever she went.

Gaye attended Arkansas AM&N College, where she was honored as a Debutante and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was there she met the love of her life, John Edward Petty, her devoted husband of 61 years. After graduating, they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she began her teaching career at Beltzhoover Elementary School. She later continued her work in education at Alcy Elementary in Memphis, Tennessee, demonstrating the same dedication and passion for teaching that defined her career.

Later, the couple relocated to Gardena, California, where Gaye pursued her Master’s Degree at the University of La Verne. She went on to enjoy a successful career in education, teaching at Betty Davis Elementary, William Green Elementary, and in the Lawndale School District. Her leadership and advocacy were evident as she rose to become President of the Lawndale Teachers Association Union.

Gaye’s life was filled with love—for God, her family, her students, and her community. Her unwavering joy, brilliant smile, and boundless energy touched all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Norvelle Bedford; her husband, John Edward Petty Sr., her beloved son, John Edward Petty Jr; and her sister, Carol (Bedford) Bell.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her three beloved sisters, Noryce Jean (Bedford) Hill-Bell, Norine Anice (Bedford) Jenkins (Roy F. Jenkins Jr.), and Nadine Anita (Bedford) Connor; her nieces, Anita Lynne (Connor) Ross, Stacey Lynn Jenkins, and Lori Rae (Jenkins) Walker; her nephews, Robert John Connor, Julian Scott Connor, Roy Franklin Jenkins III, Neil Crawford Hill, Darrell Kevin Hill, and Gary Douglas Hill; her great-nieces, Linda Moore Banks and Annette Donald (Robert) Ford; her dear friend and niece, Yvonne Kenner; devoted sorority sisters, Geralyn (Wardell) Seals, Hazel Walker, Venessa Robinson, and Amanda Collier; her best friend, Lynda Seeney; her friend, Maggie Jones; and her loving neighbors, David Schrier, Hileri Schrier and Henry Schrier. She also leaves behind a host of extended family, devoted sorority sisters, cherished friends, church members, and former students.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and lifelong service will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Her joyous smile and beautiful spirit will be remembered always.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 10:00am-10:55am with Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony at 11:00am. Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00pm. All services will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church 584 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106.

Internment will be in New Park Horn Lake 4536 Horn Lake Rd, Memphis, TN 38109