Xavier Lenoria Petty

Matthew 11:28-29

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Xavier Lenoria Petty, known as "Zay," passed away on June 15, 2026, at 64. He was born on November 6, 1961, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Lenoria Petty and Dorothy (Marble) Petty-Green, and was the eldest of six: brothers Calvin and Marvin, stepbrother Derrell, and stepsisters Shawniece Petty and April Brooks. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1979. Xavier carried the values he learned early in life. At an early age, Xavier accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior, growing up with his grandparents' love of God, who helped shape his character.

Like many young people, he felt the need to explore new paths. When Xavier moved to Flint, he found comfort, guidance, and love from his family once again. Soon after, he worked at several jobs, including at Big Boys restaurant manufacturing companies and Mount Sinai Deliverance Church under Pastor Albert E Ridgeway where he attended. Xavier cherished his Flint family, especially his Uncle Duck, cousin Theresa, Shema, Bud, and Jeron. He often spoke about them and enjoyed their company. Over the years, Xavier traveled and lived in Texas and Illinois, staying close to family and friends.

Anyone who knew Xavier knows he loved decorating. He had a creative mind that showed when he decorated, cooked, and planned events. He always found new ways to make spaces feel inviting. He used varied colors, textures, and arrangements to draw attention to his projects. You could see his creativity in the food he prepared and the decorations he put together for any occasion. Xavier's passion for design and sense of style helped him create joyful places, whether designing or cooking. Shopping brought him joy as well. You could often find Xavier in his favorite stores, one being (Tar-jay) but most call it Target, and Hobby lobby searching for the right clothing or inspiration for his next project. Often, when you saw him out, his mother would be with him, shopping, eating out or traveling to visit family members, especially if someone was sick and needed support.

As we celebrate Xavier's life, we remember how his resilience and warmth touched everyone he met. After being diagnosed with a serious heart condition in the early 2000s, Xavier faced many challenges with steady courage. Even though his illness kept him from working, it never took away his spirit or his love for life and his family.

Xavier moved from Chicago to Muskegon, where he had life-saving surgery at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. Thanks to a Left Ventricular Assist Device, he lived twenty years longer than doctors expected and became one of the university's longest-surviving LVAD patients. Even when new health problems appeared and a heart transplant was no longer possible, Xavier still greeted each day with humor and gratitude.

Family meant everything to Xavier. He always made time for his nieces and nephews, showing up at their school events, theater shows, and family celebrations. His presence brought joy and laughter to every gathering, and his quick wit and positive attitude inspired everyone around him. Xavier leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, love, and finding joy even in hard times. He gave us cherished memories and showed us how to live fully, love deeply, and face challenges with grace.

"I am at peace; my soul is at rest. There is no need for tears or sorrow. For with love, I was so blessed for all those many years."

Xavier is preceded in death by his father, Lenoria Petty, and two sisters-Shawniece Petty and April Brooks, both of Muskegon, MI. He is also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hubie and Henrietta Petty, as well as his maternal grandparents, Roger and Millie Marble.

Xavier is survived by his mother, Dorothy (Marble) Petty-Green and his brothers, Calvin Petty, Marvin (Natascha) Petty and Derrell Petty, all of Muskegon and a host of nieces and nephews.