Jamella Frances Petty in her 73 ^rd season of life slept away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.  She was born May 19, 1946 in Morrilton to Willie and Addie Garmon Brown.  They preceded her in death as well as her husband, Jesse "Gaines" Petty; her grandson, Marvin Stringer, Sr. and, her beloved father and mother-in-love, Albert and Rosetta Gaines.

Mella as she was called by many was a 1964 graduate of Merrill High School, Pine Bluff, AR. Upon moving to Hot Springs, she attended Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center. She married Jess L. "Gaines" Petty on May 1, 1986. They enjoyed twenty-two years together until his passing in August 2008.  Jamella was a longtime employee of Craighead Cleaners and a very faithful and active member of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church.  She exhibited her faith by singing in the Choir Ministry, Shepherd's Ministry, Missionary Ministry and wherever her services were needed. Jamella also served as a Foster Grandparent with CSO.

Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter, Yvonne Stringer; grandson, Martin (Kelly) Stringer, Jr; great- grandchildren, Nerira Stringer and, Marvin Stringer, Jr.; her extended family, the Gaines family whom she loved and respected as her sisters and brothers, Albert (Diana) Gaines, John (Vearlene) Gaines, Larry (Paula) Gaines, Rickey (Donna) Gaines, Troy (Kesha) Gaines, Bernard (Lisa) Gaines, Kenneth (Sonja) Gaines, Gregory Gaines, Dorothy (James) Williams, Charnett Gaines and, Jeanette (Darrell) Dean as well as a host of other extended family and the Greater St. Paul family.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church with Pastor Kenneth R. Gulley, officiating.  Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery.  Open visitation will be from 11:00  - 5:00 PM at the funeral home and one hour prior to service time on Wednesday.

The family will be at 135 Crescent Ave.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.