Mary Lou Pettigrew, age 86, of Talking Rock, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with her family lovingly by her side. She was born on July 26, 1939, to the late Grady Carver and Thelma Goss Carver.

Mary Lou was married to the love of her life, Taft Pettigrew, for more than 50 years. Together they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. She was a deeply selfless woman who always put others before herself. Caring for people came naturally to her, she wanted to make sure no one around her ever felt upset, alone, or in need of anything. Her greatest joy was her family. She lovingly nurtured her children and grandchildren, helping raise them with patience and tenderness. She adored them unconditionally, and they loved her just as fiercely in return. Mary Lou's gentle spirit, her worry for others, and her desire to take care of everyone she loved will forever be remembered.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Taft Pettigrew; her son, Danny Pettigrew; her granddaughter, Amanda Fountain; her sister, Essie Faye Carver; her brother, James Carver; and her sister‑in‑law, Joyce Carver.

She is survived by her daughter and son‑in‑law, Sharlene and Curtis Lovell; her granddaughter, Amber Lovell; her great‑granddaughters, Alison Fountain and Abigail Fountain; her great‑great‑grandson, Zaylen Parker; brothers and sister-in-law, Tommy and Annie Mae Carver, Charlie Carver and her son‑in‑law, Justin Fountain. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends at Cagle Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Funeral services for Mary Lou will be held in the Robert A. Cagle Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Buck Parker officiating.  Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Cagle Funeral Home is proudly serving the family of Mary Lou Pettigrew.