Landrum, SC - Ellen Pettit, of Landrum, SC died May 21, 2006 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by Louis L. Pettit, her husband of sixty-seven years who died in 2003. The daughter of Pittman B. and Vera Robbins Barker of Sandy Creek, NY, she attended the local schools and became a member of the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church. She later attended Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA followed by two years at Vassar College. At Columbia University in New York City she received a B.S. at the School of Business where she was President of Phi Chi Theta Business Sorority, followed by an M.A. in Economics in the Graduate School, and courses at Teachers' College. Her career in the New York City School System included teacher of Gregg Shorthand and Typewriting and service as a Guidance Counselor at Commerce and Forest Hills High Schools. Her business career included executive positions in four family owned real estate corporations in New York City. Recognized for many years of volunteerism, Pettit was the first woman Chairman of the United Fund and President of the Thursday Morning Club, a federated woman's club, in Madison, NJ; Class of '28 50th Reunion Fund Chairman and Founder of the Fabulous Fifties at Dana Hall School where she received the tribute of Alumni of the Century; Trustee of the Charles Hosmer Morse and Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundations that built and funded ad infinitum, the Morse Museum in Winter Park, FL, known for having the largest collection of Tiffany Glass. She was elected the first Trustee Emeritus upon her resignation from both Foundations in 2001. In Tryon, NC, Pettit was Membership Chairman of Tryon Little Theater, a member of St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary Board where she served as Secretary and Publicity Chairman, and President of the Women's Golf Association at Red Fox Country Club. Mrs. Pettit was also a member of the Tryon Country Club. Pettit and her husband, Louis, were recognized in l983 for their volunteerism with membership in the Second Wind Hall of Fame. Ellen was a member of the Tryon United Methodist Church, Tryon, NC. Survivors include two nephews and three nieces. Memorial services for Ellen and Louis Pettit will be held Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Tryon Estates with Rev. Ralph Kuether officiating. A private interment will be held for the Pettits at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sandy Creek, NY. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722. An online register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com. McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC.
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