Jamie Leigh Petty

Ms.Jamie "Opal" Leigh Petty, age 41 of Blue Ridge, passed away April 21, 2014 at her home. Jamie was born November 18, 1972 in Greensboro, NC to the late John Warren Petty and Cathy Petty Ferguson. She was preceded in death by father, John Warren Petty and brother, Nathan W. Petty.

Opal was an amazing gymnast, triathlete, massage therapist, yoga teacher and personal trainer. She was so artistic with her personal training by combining Yoga, Cardio, Pilates, Tai Chi and aerobics in one session keeping her clients interest and excitement at peak level. She helped so many get back into exercise and taking care of themselves following medical or personal challenges. Opal became an award winning athlete at an early age. Her studio is filled with trophies and awards. She gave 150% in everything she did. She had a personal goal to visit countries in the world beginning with every letter in the alphabet by the age of 40. She accomplished this by age 36. Always alone, she traveled on a shoestring budget, taking her own food, working out continually including stair stepping on the toilets in the jetliners on the long trips. She never met a stranger and made friends with all those who she encountered on her endless journey. Many of you have seen her on her bicycle riding from Blue Ridge to McCaysville or to Ducktown which she did every day for years. It was nothing for her to take off on a 50 mile ride through the mountains. Opal left a mark on me for which I am eternally grateful. She had the biggest heart and a wonderful smile. She was always willing to help someone in need. Rest in Peace sweet Opal, we will miss you!

Jamie Came to Murphy, NC in the early 1990. She worked as a River Guide for Eagle Resort. She did rock repelling, and gymnastics. She was very involved with the Community Fund Raisers. Jamie was loved by her family friends and the community. She will be sorely missed. Such a short time with us, sent by God, now He has called her home. Jamie is now a star in the sky.

Survivors include: mother, Cathy Petty (Jim Ferguson) Shawver, step-father, Jim Ferguson, Brother, Joshua Trent Petty, step-brother, Andrew Ferguson, step-sister, Crystal Kendrick and maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Shawver.

Funeral services: Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 6:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory with the Rev. Kevin Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm..

You may make donations the Mineral Springs Center at P.O. Box 28 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Fannin County Head Start Program at 8731 Lake wood Hwy. Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 in Jamie's memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.