Clifford Pettus

Clifford Eugene Pettus, affectionately known as 'Big Mike', was born to Clifford Pettus and Madeline Copeland on January 27, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the first son born of this union.
Clifford was educated in Harlem, New York at Junior High School 139 Fredrick Douglas. He then received a scholarship from Brooklyn Dodger great, Roy Campanella to attend high school in Lenox, Massachusetts at Windsor Mountain Prep School where he graduated to go on to Clafin College in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
From an early age, Clifford had a love for basketball and excelled at it. He played for the Harlem YMCA, Riverside Church, Church of the Masters, and many other local facilities. He moved up to the semi-pro team, the Harlem Wizards where he showcased his jumping ability and skills. After college, Clifford worked many jobs before moving back to Massachusetts where he met and married Rosario Pettus, known as Sara/Mama. They married on August 21, 2003 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where they lived for over 12 years. Clifford and Sara began to suffer from several illnesses and decided to relocate to Lakeland, Florida. Clifford was very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren just as they were fond of and loved Grandpa. Although he was big in stature, Clifford had the heart and soul of a child. He would give anyone his last. He was the protector of his entire family. After his beloved Sara passed in 2021, he went in and out of depression but kept fighting through the love of family. His sons, Douglas, and Clifford, his daughter, Sara, and his granddaughter Yaliana stayed by his side, waiting on him unconditionally in spite of his rough demeanor. Many days his mother's sister, Mary, who Mike called Aunt Cookie would take his calls and talk to him for hours. Through his illnesses, his topic for discussion was what's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Doordash was programmed into his phone, or he would have Yaliana or his niece, Jade call for him even though they lived in different states. Clifford loved his family more with each passing day and wanted to just be around them. Being God's will, that's exactly what happened. He had the biggest smile on his face and it was as if time had turned back and he was able to laugh and cry.
On March 9th, 2023, Clifford joined the ancestors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Pettus and Madeline Copeland; cousins, Ronald and Kenny Pettus; and nephew, Julian Pettus. His legacy continues with his brother, Steven, and sister-in-law Sharon Pettus; son, Douglas Pettus, Clifford Pettus, daughter-in-law, Devin Perry; 11 grandchildren: Yaliana, Yamilex, Angel, Javier, Deanna, Taymiyyah, Tauban, Maryam, Hanaan, Abdullah, Arwah; two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Emanuel; nephew, Steven Pettus, niece, Jade Pettus, Aunt Mary Mays; cousins, Janice, Eugene and Deric Officer who were like sisters and brothers and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Big Mike will be missed. His passing has left a tremendous void in our family and his journey has just begun...Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Heavenly Father, don't put Mike on the bench. He was a starter all his life. And DON'T look for him to pass the ball. Love you to Eternity.
Friends and family will be received Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lanier Funeral & Cremation Services. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996.

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