Valeria A. Pettrie
November 23, 1934 ~ August 13, 2019
“Miss Pettrie”
Valeria A. Pettrie, 84, of Indianapolis, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019. Born November 23, 1934 in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Amy (Harris) Robinson.
She was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, confidant and friend; and a faithful member of Good Shepherd Catholic church. She received her bachelor’s degree from Marian University and worked for Indianapolis Public Schools as a teacher for many years. She served on several community boards.
“Miss Pettrie “as she was affectionately called by her students and those, whom she encountered, was passionate about education and books. She was quick to offer counsel and sound advice. She ALWAYS encouraged people to get their education and strive to be better. Her heart went out to those who did not have and rarely would you leave her house empty handed.
An excellent cook; she taught her daughters and others how to take a little to make a meal, stock your pantry and shop thrifty. Miss Pettrie definitely lived her life on her own terms. She was a force to reckon with that you would not forget. She was quick witted, direct and sharp with her words.
Love and compassion defined her. Her love for her family was important; as were her high expectations for their success.
Along with her parents, Miss Pettrie is also preceded in death by a brother, V. Lee Durham.
Survivors include her daughters, Amy F. Williams Morgan of Chicago and Anita Bailey of Indianapolis; her brother, James Robinson of Indianapolis; five grandchildren, Farris (Juanita) Bailey, Eddie (Michelle) Bailey, Elisha (Trae) Ferguson, Travis (Lindsey) Bailey, and Kwame Clark; and eight great grandchildren, D’Aja Nevaeh Bailey, Cadence Bailey, Carson Ferguson, Eddie Bailey, Camilla Bailey, Zavion Bailey, Lennox Ferguson, and Ziayre Bailey.
Pallbearers
Farris Bailey, Travis Bailey, Kwame Clark, Chris Martin, Otis Nance, Richard Burnes
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Teacher’s Treasures, Indianapolis; envelopes will be provided.
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I met “Miss Pettrie” as a youth though her daughter Miss Anita Bailey. Like her daughter, she sought out to mentor me anytime we crossed path often challenging me in black history & math. One day I rode with Mama Nita over to Miss Pettrie and granny’s house on the south side. She asked me what was my purpose or what my path was. I told her all I want to do is leave this place in a better position than when I got here, when it all said it done. She looked at my puzzled, and I thought she was going to give me the business, and said that was the right answer, she told me “legacy”. Leave your kids something you would be proud of, I said like the food you left on this stove. She said boy get out my kitchen!!! The point is I still adhere to that advice to this day. I believe all that knew her would say she definitely left this place better than she found it. RIH the adopted grandson Billy Grays