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Obituary For Cynthia Elaine Pettigrew
( August 31, 1960---December 22, 2025 )
TYLER--A celebration of life for Mrs. Cynthia Pettigrew, 65, is scheduled for 12 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Green Acres Baptist Church with Elder Waymon Stewart, eulogist. Interment will follow in Ray Memorial Cemetery under direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co. Public viewing will be held Friday, 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Cynthia Elaine Pettigrew was born August 31, 1960, to the parentage of Eddie D. Ray and the late James W. Ray. Cynthia departed this life and entered eternal rest on Monday, December 22, 2025.
At an early age, she enjoyed playing softball with the Disco Ladies, Ferro and numerous teams. She loved traveling near and far to watch softball tournaments and track meets. Cynthia also loved to dance and Zumba. Cynthia gave her life to Christ and was a member of Whitehouse Church of God in Christ to where she later became an active member of the usher board, choir, hospitality board, and Sunday School teacher.
Cynthia graduated John Tyler High School in 1978, before going to Tyler Junior College and being a proud member of the Apache Marching Band. Upon graduation she went on to get her Bachelors in Education from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. Thus began her impactful career of teaching first grade for Tyler Independent School District. A lifelong learner, Cynthia went on to receive her Masters in Reading from The University of Texas, Tyler in 2000. After 36 incredible years teaching first grade at Gary Elementary and Caldwell Elementary, Cynthia retired in 2018. Cynthia loved spending time with family, especially her mom and daughters. Sunday dinners with family after church on "The Hill" were a priority to her. In retirement, Cynthia loved having lunch with her friends and the "Gator Girls". She also found time to learn new techniques for homemade greeting cards. Above all, Cynthia loved watching and rooting for her Dallas Cowboys...win or lose. Cynthia was previously married to the late Booker T. Bowie from whom two beautiful girls were born.In 2016, she married Melvin E. Pettigrew to whom she cherished many years with.
She is preceded in death by her father, James W. Ray and her stepsister Sandra Davidson. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Melvin Pettigrew of Whitehouse; her mother Eddie Doll Ray of Whitehouse; two daughters, Kristin Bowie-Gottner, husband Jake, (Whitehouse) and Kalyn Bowie (Houston); 1 stepson, Jamal Pettigrew, wife Britknea, (Whitehouse); 2 stepdaughters, Noriko Pettigrew (Dallas) and Sibrina Starling (North Carolina); 5 step grandchildren; 1 granddog, Betty White, and a host of family, friends, and loved ones.
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Houston Eye Associates Surgery Center sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Cynthia Elaine Pettigrew - December 30, 2025
To my friend of many years, you will forever be in my heart. See you later!
Cynthia was always such a delight. Always had such a smile. She was such a wonderful teacher and friend. She 2ill be missed by everyone she touched.
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Cynthia was an amazing teacher, friend and co-worker. My prayers are with you family.
Prayers are with you all Melvin and Mrs Ray. My sincerest condolences.
When I think of Cynthia (Pettigrew), I think of the word Love. She loved her lovely mom and her two daughters and Melvin. She talked of them all often. She loved her students, church, friends, family, her school colleagues, and the list goes on. We all felt special just being around her. I am so glad that I had the privilege of teaching on the first grade team with her at Caldwell School for 4 years. I know for sure that I will see Cynthia again someday in heaven. I know she is at home with Jesus. The Bible says for Christians to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord so she is in His presence.
I am praying for and with your family. My sincere condolences. 🙏🏽
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. May God continue to give each one strength. From Dlma Martin and Jarvis Martin Sr. Family
My condolences and prayers go out to this family such beautiful people in our Whitehouse community our most sincere prayers are with you all especially Mrs. Ray
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
