Annie Bell Pettway facts for kids

Annie Bell Pettway (born in 1930, died in 2003) was an American artist known for her amazing quilts. She was part of the famous Gee's Bend quilting group. Her daughter, Belinda Pettway, is also a quilter from this group.

Early Life

Annie Bell Pettway was born in 1930. She was the second oldest child in her family. Her parents were Clement and Cherokee Pettway.

When Annie was six years old, her father became very sick. He could not move around easily. Annie and her older brother, Eddie Lee Pettway, had to take over the farm work. Their mother had to care for their father all the time. Annie remembered being sick quite often during her childhood.

Annie Bell Pettway married her childhood friend, John L. Pettway, when she was eighteen. He was twenty-one. They had seven children together. They had four boys and three girls. Two of her sons live in Connecticut. Two others live in Gee's Bend. One of her daughters lives in Georgia. Another lives in New York. Her daughter, Belinda Pettway, still lives in Gee's Bend.

Annie Bell Pettway passed away in 2003.

Her Art and Quilts

Annie Bell Pettway learned how to quilt from her mother, Cherokee. She started learning when she was only six years old. Her mother taught her to use old work pants and other used clothes to make beautiful quilts. This was a common way to create warm blankets and art at the same time.

Annie Bell Pettway continued this tradition. She taught her own daughters how to quilt. This helped keep the special Gee's Bend quilting style alive for new generations. The quilts from Gee's Bend are famous for their unique designs and colors. They are seen as important works of art.