The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Vandelia Tracy Carter Pettus, the First and only African-American Florist/Owner was honored and remembered by the City of Covington. On behalf of the City of Covington, City Manager, Allen Dressler presented a plaque and plant arrangement to each of Mrs. Pettus’ daughters, Dr. Cynthia V. Carter and Mrs. Darlene F. Smith, along with a recognition banner. Also present were Lisa Worley (Director of Parks and Recreations), C.W. Smith ( Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation) Christopher Mentz, VR Photographer, Former Mayor/Cousin Rev. Stephanie R. Clark, Mrs. Annette Turner-Finley (cousin) and Ms. Carrie Turner (life-long friend).
Vandelia’s Floral opened on November 3, 1984, and served the Highlands Community for over twenty years. Vandelia’s Floral had a training program. Rev Dr. Dianne Quarles, graduated from the program. Mr. Marvin Ross Jr. was also a student; and Ms Donna Carroll was a long time employee.
Mrs. Pettus was born on April 23, 1930; she passed on March 15, 2008. She was a fourth descendant of Archie and Mary Wright, the First African-American settlers in Alleghany County (Wrightsville).Since her death, Mrs. Pettus’ daughters have held a Yard Sale in memory of her birthday at her home, which is where Vandelia’s Floral was located. All of the proceeds from the annual Yard Sale are awarded to local non-profits that Mrs. Pettus supported, as well as High School graduates and College students. Education was very important to Mrs. Pettus, In November 1983 she became the first student on the East Coast to major in Business Industry Site Training (V-TECS) Vocational-Technical Education Consortium of States at Mountain Gateway Community College (formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College). She graduated in June 1984 with a Business and Industry Training Site Certificate. Mrs. Pettus was a faithful member of her home church, Wrightsville Baptist Church, where she served in numerous positions. After her illness in October 2004, she lived with her daughter, Dr. Cynthia V. Carter until her death in March 2008. She became a member of First Baptist Church of Highland Park (Landover, MD.) Throughout her life, Mrs. Pettus was a devoted Christian who served her Family, Church, and Community.
