Lynn Petty Friedman's Obituary
Lynn Friedman
“To know her is to love her.”
Lynn Friedman, widow of Eric Friedman, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday September 9. 2025. Lynn was a retired Lead Systems Analyst for Shelby County Information Technology.
Lynn was born in Oahu, Hawaii, on June 29, 1957, yet she lived the majority of her life in Memphis, Tn. Lynn graduated from East High School in 1975, attended Southwestern (Rhodes College), and graduated from State Tech, now Southwest Tennessee Community College with an Associate’s degree in Computer Sciences. Soon after graduation, Lynn began working at Shelby County IT where she remained throughout her career. Beginning as a Programmer, Lynn rose through the ranks to the position of Lead System Analyst. Lynn was committed to customer service and she used her expertise to lead many projects, streamlining and improving several of the county’s business systems, notably Motor Vehicle Registration, Marriage License, and Probate Court.
Lynn was passionate about her work, but her true gift was her love for her family, friends, and people who needed a helping hand. As a breast cancer survivor, Lynn became an avid supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Race for the Cure. Her love for children guided her to support the Salvation Army Christmas Angles and Toys for Tots.
In addition to her husband, Rick, Lynn was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Mary Lee and J.B. Cobb, and her father and stepmother, Bill and Earlean Petty. Lynn leaves behind her brother J.B. Cobb Jr. (Alison) of Lake George, Colorado, step brothers Roy Kavanaugh of Florida, and Scott Kavanaugh of Texas, nieces and nephews and a host of friends who she held as close as family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Salvation Army Christmas Angels, Toys for Tots, or the charity of your choice.
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