Melinda Lucille Petty, some of you may know her as "TeaTot", was born January 26, 2022, 1935 in Mounds, Illinois. Melinda was the third of six children born to Thomas and Lucille Nichols, who have both preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are siblings, Calvin "Dude" Nichols, Delores Vinson, Ralph Nichols and Rose (Ekie) Murdock; husband, Williams Petty, son, Derrick (Belinda) "Big Daddy" Glanton and bonus grandchild, Lanika M. Maxey.

Melinda "TeaTot' (Nichols) Petty graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School of East St. Louis, Illinois - "Go Tigers". After school she worked in her father's store. Upon graduating, she got a job working at Country Set Dress Factory until the early 70's. Still in all, she went into business for herself and made quite a few friends along the way. She would get up in the morning at 4:00 a.m. and start sewing, prepare breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and by 2:00 p.m., she was finished for the day and started supper.

She started her trade while living in the Orr Weathers with only a single "Singer" Sewing Machine and she did everything with that machine. When she stopped sewing, she had four of the same machines she used while working for Country Set. She made clothes for everyone. Whatever you wanted or thought you wanted she would sew it. She made dresses and suits for complete wedding and proms, uniforms for drill teams, costumes for school plays and outfits for those who just liked to dress in style. She made drapes, curtains and did all alterations - it didn't matter; it was all Custom Made by Melinda Petty.

Melinda joined church at an early age and until her passing, was a member of The Church of East St. Louis, where she attended as often as her health allowed. She had many family and friends who stayed in contact with her for her entire life. Her family and friends expanded the country and globe from Maryland, Michigan, Louisiana, California, Florida, Saint Louis, Missouri, Chicago, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Italy.

She loved reading, crocheting, getting hugs, giving kissing and making pound cakes. A special treat she gave to all she loved is a phone call to her loved ones on her birthday in which she would sing "Happy Birthday".

Melinda's survivors: son ~ Dana (LaVerne) Glanton of Stone Mountain, Georgia; bonus daughter ~ Ruby Stamps of Springfield, Illinois; sister ~ Carolyn L. Hyser of Elgin, Illinois; niece ~ Cynthia Walton of Springfield, Illinois; devoted friend ~ John E. Wallace of East St. Louis, Illinois; her grandchildren are the continuing Seeds of her Life ~ Sherrie Ferguson, Latresa (Zachary) Hamilton, Quiana (John) Lattier, Chacolby (David) Crockett, Derrick (Shanaya) Glanton, Jr., Dana C. Glanton, Aneia D. Glanton, Gavin Glanton and Donavan C. Glanton; bonus grandchildren ~ Tanishia N. King and Devlin Crawford. She has twelve great-grandchildren along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends throughout the united States and the world. Now, she is Walking Around Heaven with family and friends.