Bennie Pettit

Bennie Mahaffey Pettit passed away January 30, 2025, following a brief illness. She was born in Mauldin, South Carolina on November 16, 1952. 

Leaving to grieve her loss is her devoted husband, Richard, her children, Bailey and Mike Melvin and Andrew and Lauren Pettit, and grandchildren, Knox and Virginia Melvin and Franklin and Chandler “Charley” Pettit, as well as countless friends and family members. She was predeceased by her parents Benjamin and Margaret Hembree Mahaffey and her sister Brenda Wilson. 

Bennie grew up in Mauldin and met the love of her life, Richard, in high school. The two graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1971 and were married the following year. They spent 52 years devoted to one another and their family. 

Bennie graduated from the University of South Carolina with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and worked in healthcare education for nearly forty years. 

Bennie loved being a mom and spent many hours on the sidelines of swim meets, baseball games, soccer games, and tennis matches, but she most loved being Nana to Knox, Franklin, Virginia, and Charley. 

While her family was her first love, Bennie also enjoyed entertaining friends, reading, gardening, cooking, and traveling. She leaves family and friends behind holding close the wonderful memories of beach trips, pool parties, USC football games, camping excursions, and time spent together. 

Bennie was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and spent her life living out his commandment to love one another. She grew up in Mauldin First Baptist and as an adult was an active member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. She loved her Grace Covenant community and the friendships she formed there especially with the Presbyterian Women. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (Mauldin, SC) or a charity of one’s choice. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mauldin, SC on March 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Aprivate interment will be held at Mepkin Abbey. 

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation ~ Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, (843) 884-3833.