Obituary of Lena Virginia Petty

Mrs. Lena Virginia (Welch) Petty, 82, passed away on August 9, 2021. Virginia was born in Winter Haven where she was a lifelong resident. She was a loving and exuberant wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She leaves behind her adoring husband, Don, her daughter Kay (Alex), her son Mark (Kim), and grandchildren Tyler, Jon Mark and Ginger. In addition, she is survived by three sisters, Wilma, Frances, and Joy, and their families. For over 62 years, she and Don faithfully, lovingly served as a beautiful example of marriage for their family. Don was the light of her life; her love, best friend, confidante, and constant companion. She loved cooking for him and making their home a place of peace. Virginia’s 27 year career in Avon was a successful one. She loved meeting new people, building relationships, managing sales representatives across the district, and making women feel beautiful. While with Avon, she had opportunities to travel abroad and she developed a love for it. She and her beloved husband, Don, enjoyed many trips, both domestic and abroad. Their camping trips with friends were common during her retirement. In addition, travels to see family (especially grandchildren) were important to her. Family was everything to Virginia. Along with a vibrant career, she took the time for art classes and developed her already strong talent in the visual arts. Painting still life, natural vistas, and wildlife were her specialties. Along with her signature on each piece, she painted a scripture reference she felt was special to that work. Always confident in her faith in Christ, she took opportunities to share that with others through her painting. With Virginia, the glass was always more than half full. We could count on her to put her lipstick on, make the best of any situation, see the bright side, and come through it with a smile. Her contagious laughter lit up a room. The very idea of trying to sum up her vibrant personality is like trying to put lightning in a bottle: it cannot be done. She remains loved and adored and we will miss her every day. And yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope … our hope is in the Lord. (I Thessalonians 4:13) A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Kersey’s Funeral Home in Auburndale, with a gathering of family and friends just prior at 10:30.