Mercelene "Petti" Miller Lighthart, 85, of Charleston SC, passed away on March 15th, 2025.

Mercelene was born in Georgetown, SC on July 6th, 1939, to Mercelene Thomas Miller and Gordon Leath Miller, Jr..

Petti was a graduate of Winyah High School Class of 1958.  One of her fondest memories of high school was being a flag girl in the band, traveling to Washington, DC during the cherry blossom festival and performing with her high school band.  She graduated from Palmer College (1958-1961) with a business degree.  Petti worked as a teenager for the Georgetown Times writing stories every week.  From 1964-1966, Petti worked at Lockheed Missiles and Sace Corporation.  For a short period of time, Petti worked the night shift at MUSC in the Medical Records Department.  Her greatest joy and job was being a fabulous homemaker, an adoring wife, and raising her two children.  She enjoyed shopping, cooking, entertaining friends and family, and cross stitching. Growing up on Pawley's Island and living on the Creek at Pawleys allowed her to foster a love for all things seafood.  She could shuck oysters and head shrimp faster than anyone around.  She was actively involved in The SC Substance Abuse Commission for many years and she also actively participated in the Public Service Commission for James Island.

Petti is preceded in death by Gordon L. Miller, Jr. (father), Mercelene T. Miller (mother), Gordon L. Miller, III (brother), and Robert O. Lighthart, III (son).

Petti is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert O. Lighthart, Jr., LeClair L. West (daughter) and her husband Mark W. West, her grand-dog Maisy, her daughter in law Christine W. Lighthart, her grand daughters Lydia E. Lighthart and Carolyn J. Lighthart, Mary E. Hydrick (sister), as well as many nieces and nephews, and special lifelong friends.

Petti was always the sweetest to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.  She was a "mama" to many over the years and her door was always open for a hot meal, a warm bed, an engaging conversation, and a guaranteed wonderful time.  She never met a stranger and was beloved by many.  Petti had a smile that could light up a room, and had a devout loyalty to her family, friends, and God.  She wanted everyone in her presence to feel loved and appreciated.  To know her was to love her and she leaves those of us that loved her with an emptiness inside.  We know she is made whole again and is reunited with all of her friends and family members that have gone before her.

There will be services at a later date.