Obituary of Vara Alice Petty

February 23, 1925 - January 21, 2026

Vara Alice Petty, 100,was born on February 23, 1925, in Groesbeck, Texas, when the world moved more slowly and values were carried by hand and heart, Vara Alice Sanders Petty witnessed more than a century of history unfold.

She lived through a hundred years of change, including wars that reshaped nations, economic hardship that tested resolve, social revolutions that altered the course of history, and global pandemics that stilled the world. Yet she remained anchored in faith, family, and the quiet strength of her generation.

Alice was the fourth of ten children born to George Romulus Sanders and Lillie Arenda Brown Sanders.

In 1945, she married the love of her life, Robert Q. “Dock” Petty. Together, they built a beautiful life in Buna, Texas, where they raised their five children. Her family was her greatest joy, and nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by those she loved.

She was known for her love of gardening and for canning fresh produce from her own backyard. She found great joy in cooking from scratch and made certain that every child and grandchild had their favorite dessert waiting whenever they came to visit. Her famous chocolate pies were especially beloved and rarely left a crumb behind.

A woman of strong and abiding faith, Alice loved the Lord wholeheartedly. In her later years, when she was no longer able to drive, she spent many hours watching sermons on television, continuing to nourish her spirit and remain close to God.

She had a timeless Southern sense of style and rarely went anywhere without her red lipstick and signature red acrylic nails. She enjoyed her weekly visits to the hair salon but was just as happy at home, savoring quiet moments with family close by. These were the simple treasures she cherished most.

Alice passed away on January 21, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100, leaving behind a legacy not measured in years alone, but in traditions preserved, lessons lovingly taught, and generations forever shaped by her steady presence and enduring love.

She is now reunited in Heaven with her dear husband; her parents; her brothers and sisters; her children, Alice (Layne) Petty Stanley and Gary Quinn Petty; and her daughter in law, Monica “Penny” Gilchriest Petty.

She is survived by her children, Doug Petty (Margaret) of Madison, Alabama; Arenda Gayle Moak (Keith) of Bossier City, Louisiana; and Kirk Petty (Paula) of Buna, Texas; along with 22 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren, and two great great great grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy and will carry her legacy forward.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, January 28, at Central Baptist Church in Buna with burial at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Tuesday at the church.