"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." – 2 timothy 4:7-8

Felicia Pettiford, a lifelong resident of Chesterfield County, peacefully passed away August 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She was born on July 27, 1955, to the late William Henry and Dorothy Mae (Thomas) Pettiford.

Felicia was a proud graduate of Matoaca High School, Class of 1974. She dedicated her professional life to serving her community, she was a dedicated employee at Chesterfield County Juvenile Detention Home for thirty years, retiring in July 2017. She also worked part-time with Chesterfield County Public Schools for over twenty years. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment touched the lives of countless young people and colleagues.

Beyond her career, Felicia was a woman of deep faith. She was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she was baptized at a young age and committed her life to Christ. Her spiritual devotion was a guiding light and a source of strength for all who knew her.

Felicia's memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of kindness, service, and faith will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Felicia's greatest joy in life came from her family. She cherished every opportunity to bring loved ones together, often hosting big cookouts for any occasion always filled with laughter, good food, and lasting memories. Her home was a gathering place, where everyone felt welcome and loved. Felicia loved her grandchildren unconditionally and was deeply devoted to each of them. They always knew she was just a phone call away ready to listen, support, and do whatever was needed. Her love was steadfast, her presence comforting, and her bond with them unbreakable. She took immense pride in their lives and poured her heart into being the dependable, loving grandmother they could always count on.

In addition to her devotion to family, Felicia was a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 10387 in Hopewell, Virginia, where she found community and continued her lifelong commitment to service.

Felicia was a source of wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. Her nurturing spirit and warm heart touched the lives of everyone she met. She found her greatest happiness in the presence of those she held dear.

Felicia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She peacefully entered eternal leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, and dedicated service to others.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Henry Pettiford; mother, Dorothy Mae (Thomas) Pettiford; brother, Mr. Don Pettiford; daughter, Ms. Shanticia Brown-McFarland; and her nephew, Mr. Duane Brown.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ernest Thompson; devoted children, Brian Pettiford, Sr., Tamesha Pettiford, and Ureka Mitchener; and her beloved siblings, Glenda Pettiford, Juan Pettiford (Erma), Cheryl Jones (James) Sophronia Pettiford, Delpha Sanders (Elick) and Dephi Coleman (Marvin).

She is also lovingly remembered by her dedicated sister-in-law, Dorothy Lewis (Andrew); a host of nieces and nephews, including Yvette Pettiford, Patricia Jones, Kenny (Pauline) Jones, Don (Crystala) Goode, Dana (Johnathan) Sanders, Kimberly Sanders, and Sha'nae Sanders; her devoted niece, Sonia Pettiford; and her cherished cousin, Sarah Hardy.

Felicia's greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren: Brian Pettiford, Jr., Brittany Pettiford, Jae'Lyn McFarland, Jasmine McFarland, Mau'Rie Batts, Maurice Batts, Jr., Jaliyah Mitchener, and Brianna Jefferson. Her legacy continues through them and her two great-grandchildren, Andre and Ezekial Pettiford, and a host of great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews who will carry her love in their hearts forever.

Felicia's memory will live on in the hearts and lives of all who knew and loved her. Her example of strength, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to guide us reminding us to love deeply, live fully, laugh often, and trust in God's promises.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, we rejoice in knowing that she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 6711 Hickory Road, South Chesterfield, VA, the Rev. Dr. Damion T. Batts, eulogist, the Rev. Dr. William E. Johnson III, officiant. The interment to follow in the church cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.