Reading of life

Bernard Lorenzo Pettus was born on April 19, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Robert Pettus Sr. and Doreatha Madison Pettus. He was the fourth child among six siblings and grew up surrounded by family, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Bernard attended John F. Kennedy High School in Cleveland, Ohio. From an early age, he was fascinated by the intricacies of life and had a natural desire to understand how things worked. Whether it was machinery or emerging technology, Bernard had a remarkable ability to teach himself the ins and outs of complex systems. His hunger for knowledge became a defining part of his life.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and his Master of Information Systems as well as his Final Cut Video Pro Certification. Over the course of more than 30 years, Bernard built a successful career in information technology, working as an IT Support Engineer and IT Consultant for companies including RTA, Xerox, Danka, and SBC Ameritech. His dedication, skill, and self-taught expertise earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of his professional life, Bernard had a deep passion for music. In the 1970s, he was part of a band that travelled and performed at sold out venues, called The Morning Maniac Band alongside family and friends Bruce Laney, Tyrone McLemore, Marcus Watts, Leonard Deal, and Aaron Redding. Recently, he began writing a book about the band and the memories they shared. Music remained a lifelong love, and he devoted countless hours to playing the bass guitar, managing local music groups, artist development, music production, and providing sound engineering for various performers.

Bernard also possessed a special gift for conversation. He could strike up a discussion with just about anyone and, before long, have them laughing with his classic “dad” humor. His warmth, quick wit, solid debate skills, and easygoing nature left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

Above all, Bernard’s life was guided by a strong spiritual relationship lived out each day, principles of love, humor, support, and family. These values shaped the home he built and the relationships he cherished.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Laney Pettus; his children, India Loren Pettus Perry (DeSheyna Perry) and Myles Randall Pettus; and his beloved granddaughter, Myla Rosa Pettus.

He also leaves behind four siblings: Robert Pettus Jr., Saundra Pettus Gibson (Lester Gibson), Karl Pettus, and Debra Pettus Groce (Warren Groce). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Pettus Sr. and Doreatha Pettus, and his youngest brother, Kenneth Pettus.

Bernard’s legacy lives on in the love he shared, the laughter he created, the music he played, and the family and friends he cherished. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

In every song played, every laugh shared, and every story told, the spirit of Bernard Pettus will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.