Shirley Mae Gunter Petty: A Life of Love and Art

Shirley Mae Gunter Petty was born on February 24, 1943 in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. Her nickname was Shirley Mae Gunter Half! Her daddy worked at a Cotton Mill and mother worked for Herschede Clock company. She had two sisters, one brother and a nephew who was raised by her parents who she considered a brother. Growing up she was very shy. She would see a cute boy in the hall at school, and she would duck her head. That cute boy, whose name was Johnny, would become her husband one day.

She graduated from Starkville High School in 1961and went on to attend college at several different schools in hopes of pursuing a career as an art teacher. She credits her sixth-grade teacher for the decision to pursue a career as an art teacher.

At 26, Shirley and her mom pulled up to a local gas station. Her eyes fell upon Johnny and her heart stopped. Johnny asked Shirley’s brother if he could take her on a date and he agreed. Shirley hadn’t dated until meeting Johnny, not only because she was bashful, but she didn’t think her father would approve. After only two dates, Johnny and Shirley became engaged. Just two months later the pair decided to marry.

Johnny enlisted in the US Marines for three years before he began working as a lawnmower repair man. He even taught Shirley the trade!

After some time in Starkville, Shirley was ready to move to have a fresh start as husband and wife and she picked up a map. She said, “God chose the state of Georgia for me, and I drew a line right in the middle.” She wrote letters to all the County seats to apply for teaching jobs. After several interviews, she accepted the position as an art teacher in Berrien County. She worked at Berrien High School for 32 years until her retirement in 2000.

The couple owned dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and goats, and she learned how to milk goats. She is a member of Black Creek Church in Berrien County.

Shirley loves to bet on football. When Mississippi State played Georgia, she said she would spray her hair red if Georgia won. And of course she had to! She brings so much joy to our Legacy Village of Tifton family!