Jamie Raeanne Pettis was born in San Diego, CA. on December 10, 1993. She came into the world with a chattering cry that seemingly didn’t stop for several years. That cry developed into a contagious laugh that could defeat unhappiness held by anyone around her. From birth to her passing, Jamie is best described as a beautiful ball of chaos.

Jamie lived her life at full speed. Nothing was done halfway. She was fearless, fast, and did everything with passion and vigor. She had an uncanny ability to see something good in everyone, regardless of their past, and had a special gift of befriending and caring for the people who needed it most. Jamie touched the lives of so many and made huge sacrifices, all while never feeling deserving herself. Her heart of gold was much bigger than she was. When people hurt, she was the first to step up and take their pain on her own shoulders. As a result, she often found herself involved in situations she didn’t control. Jamie’s servant heart allowed her to love people quickly and fiercely. Jamie had an amazing gift of being there for children. If a child was in the room, you could be assured that was her focus. Non-stop antics, laughter, and goofiness. She loved animals and would always put an animal in need over herself. Without exaggerating, she would fight a bear to save a bug.

In fairness to her life legacy and those who love her, it should be known that Jamie suffered from long term depression and mental illness. This made it difficult at best to thrive. She did her best and carried so much more than many of us could bear.

Jamie is survived by her sweet and beautiful daughter, Willow White, Pierre, SD, her parents, Tammy (Geoff) Atherton, Rapid City, SD, and Trent (Darla) Pettis, Austin, AR, a sister, Caitlyn Pettis, Searcy, AR, Grandparents Toni (Norm) Wiederich, Heber Springs , AR, and countless Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Jamie also leaves her cherished feline, Bridger Mae. She was preceded in death by her Grandparents Dave (JoAnne) Morris, Rapid City, SD, Darrell (Janet) Pettis, Rapid City, SD., and Dale “Bud” (Joyce) Stapert, Austin, AR.

The family would like to give special thanks to her massive circle of friends who uplift us in these trying times with their stories, photos, videos, and testimonies. It truly reminds us of how much she was loved. Of special note, Brittany Renkenberger, who believed in second chances and provided Jamie’s most recent new lease on life, when she needed it most.

Jamie will remain in the loving care of her parents, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later time. Jamie doesn’t get to control this!

In lieu of flowers, or material things, the family would request that you show love and compassion to those less fortunate, especially those who suffer from mental illness, addiction, or bad decisions which make life difficult. Jamie would also encourage everyone to support anything related to the welfare of animals in need. Adopt a pet or donate to someone who cares for them. Jamie would agree the world needs more love. In closing, the eloquent words tattooed across her chest say it best “We will never forget the drama.”