Kristin Pettigrew Jarrett

Kristin Pettigrew Jarrett was born on September 29, 1969, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Dinah Mae Pettigrew and Kenneth F. Pettigrew, Sr. From the beginning, her life bore witness to faith, music, service, and deep love for family and community.

Kris was a 1987 graduate of Mount Tabor High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Winston-Salem State University. She devoted more than 30 years of faithful service to the United States Postal Service, where her diligence, consistency, and care reflected her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Music was one of Kris’ greatest callings. For over 40 years, she served as choir director at St. John CME Church, beginning as a child as a director of the Children’s Choir. Her musical leadership extended through the Tongues of Fire, J. L. Pickens Choir, Mass Choir, and the Bobby Best Chorale, which later became the Praise and Worship Team. Through her ministry of music, Kris offered praise, comfort, and joy, leaving an indelible mark on congregational worship.

Kris was deeply engaged in the life of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She was currently serving as the Division of Program Leader of the Carolina Region Women’s Missionary Society. At St. John CME Church, she was a faithful ministry leader, currently serving as the President of the Women’s Missionary Society, Director of Children’s Ministry through the Board of Christian Education and Formation, Vacation Bible School music teacher, and as a Young Adult Ministry Advisor. She was a devoted mentor to young women within the church and the broader community, intentionally creating safe and nurturing spaces where they could grow, learn, and become their fullest selves. She extended such care, often welcoming them into the fold of her family. She took special pleasure in supporting local CME college students from across the Connection, helping them remain connected to a local church while away from home and ensuring they always had a place at the table for a shared meal or a holiday celebration.

Beyond her service, Kris embraced life with enthusiasm and a hunger for new experiences. She was an avid baker, widely known for her sweet potato pie and pound cakes, and she delighted in sharing food, fellowship, and celebration. A lover of chocolate and culinary adventures, she recently began curating an annual list of new restaurant experiences to enjoy throughout her month-long birthday celebration in September. Kristin also cherished travel, exploring new cultures and landscapes in places such as Greece, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and beyond—often alongside her new travel group or devoted best friend and travel partner, Navondria Huggins. 

Kris had a profound passion for music, particularly enjoying the works of Beyoncé and Ludacris, even attending the Renaissance World Tour in 2023. She was not only a fan but also loved to sing and dance, often sharing these moments with her friends. One of her favorite activities was roller skating with her high school classmates, where she created lasting memories. Kris exhibited remarkable mathematical skills, often completing numerous Sudoku puzzles, showcasing her talent in numbers. 

Her fondness for the color purple was evident in her wardrobe and her home, owning at least one item reflecting a hue from the color’s wide spectrum. Above all, Kris dedicated herself to the joys of family, especially the lives of her grandchildren. She cherished the time spent with them, creating meaningful experiences during almost every weekend, except for the month of September. Her love for life and family painted a beautiful picture of a woman deeply engaged in the joys of living.

Kris was preceded in death by her grandparents, her beloved grandson Kona, and a host of mentors, cousins, and friends who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Living to cherish her memory are her parents, Dinah Mae Pettigrew and Kenneth F. (Gloria) Pettigrew, Sr.; her son, Keir (Ebony) Pettigrew; her brother, Kenneth F. (Portia) Pettigrew, Jr.; her sister, Trilbian Pettigrew; her grandchildren, Keir II, Kol, Karai, Riley, Ryn, Romyn, KRBN, and KRSN; her nieces and nephews, Kerry, Kenneth, Ashley, Kayla, Jeremiah, Chandler, Khalib, Layla, Rylie, and Kylie; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and all whose lives were blessed by her presence.

If you are seeking a way to honor Kris’ life, please consider a donation to the St. John CME Church Children’s Ministry. 

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