Etta Pittman Kilmarnock, Virginia Obituary

Etta Pittman

How do we let go of a woman with such a huge heart and a willingness to serve so many? This challenge is ours as we surrender Etta Irene Pittman, who was born August 16, 1939 and died July 1, 2016. Irene is predeceased by her late husband, Peyton R. Pittman, Sr., and is survived by their four children, Wanda Pittman (Johnnie) of Roanoke, Amanda Gordon (Melvin) of Kilmarnock, Robin Hundley (Douglas) of Irvington, and Richard Pittman (Susan) of Irvington. The oldest of eight, Irene was the daughter of the late Ira William Kilmon and Etta Mazie Brown. One sister, Barbara Ann predeceased Irene, and she is survived by six siblings including Jack, Ira, Joyce, Carolyn, Stanley and Tammy. All who knew Irene saw a hard worker, devoted wife and family matriarch. As a young wife and mother, Irene stayed at home to raise her children and offer extended care for many of her grandchildren. When she was able, her ideal day was preparing a feast and setting an elaborate table to feed her family, giving special attention to her grandchildren, Emily and Tom Lee, Ryan Gordon, Blair Abbott, Tracie Jones, Drew Hundley, Rick Pittman, and Bradley Wilmore. For these eight, the greatest woman on earth was “Nanny,” and no one will ever take her place. Other than her home in Irvington, Irene’s happiest place was Irvington Baptist Church where, for decades, she sang in the choir; served on any committee needing a member; taught any class needing a teacher; and served as many dinners as were offered. When she wasn’t serving her family or her church, Irene enjoyed solitude. Endearing were the times when you came upon her reading Scriptures, pruning flowers, or feeding birds. When Irene approached, you might say, “Here comes a lady who loves fashion.” Bright colors, red lipstick and big earrings. When her young family all reached school age, Irene found a place for her fashion passion. She spent many wonderful years working in local salons enjoying the clientele and developing lasting friendships. Irene believed in forgiveness, kindness and helping others. If you ever needed anything that she had, you need not ask. If she figured it out, as she most often did, it was yours. She believed in fairness and thought that the smallest voices carried the loudest message. Irene was a prayer warrior, and at the top of her list were her eight great-grandchildren she called her Angels. For these, she reserved her biggest smiles and always had a special refrigerator full of juice boxes and a jar full of cookies. She prayed the world would be a safe and happy place for Kiera, Madeline, Aubrey, Jacob, Makayla, Aayden and Avery. It is nice to think that perhaps she will be the first one to kiss her Angels-in-waiting -- Harper in September and Baby Jones in December. We cannot say goodbye to our Mother without expressing a heartfelt thank you to all of the caregivers at The Orchard. As her children, we are accustomed to seeing our Mother as a caregiver, but as her mind and body failed, we surrendered her to more competent hands. The wonderful staff cared for her with unmatched tenderness and compassion. Many a time we heard Mom say to the staff, “I love you,” and they would respond, “I love you too.” And now this beautiful, brave woman, known as Miss Pittman, Irene, Mom, or Nanny, has left us with hearts full of pride; minds full of memories; and a hope that one day we will see her again. It is terribly hard to let go Mom, but your job among us is complete, and you deserve to rest in peace. Thank you for a life of love and sacrifice. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m.Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Irvington Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
August 16, 1939 - July 1, 201608/16/193907/01/2016
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Obituary

How do we let go of a woman with such a huge heart and a willingness to serve so many? This challenge is ours as we surrender Etta Irene Pittman, who was born August 16, 1939 and died July 1, 2016. Irene is predeceased by her late husband, Peyton R. Pittman, Sr., and is survived by their four children, Wanda Pittman (Johnnie) of Roanoke, Amanda Gordon (Melvin) of Kilmarnock, Robin Hundley (Douglas) of Irvington, and Richard Pittman (Susan) of Irvington. The oldest of eight, Irene was the daughter of the late Ira William Kilmon and Etta Mazie Brown. One sister, Barbara Ann predeceased Irene, and she is survived by six siblings including Jack, Ira, Joyce, Carolyn, Stanley and Tammy. All who knew Irene saw a hard worker, devoted wife and family matriarch. As a young wife and mother, Irene stayed at home to raise her children and offer extended care for many of her grandchildren. When she was able, her ideal day was preparing a feast and setting an elaborate table to feed her family, giving special attention to her grandchildren, Emily and Tom Lee, Ryan Gordon, Blair Abbott, Tracie Jones, Drew Hundley, Rick Pittman, and Bradley Wilmore. For these eight, the greatest woman on earth was “Nanny,” and no one will ever take her place. Other than her home in Irvington, Irene’s happiest place was Irvington Baptist Church where, for decades, she sang in the choir; served on any committee needing a member; taught any class needing a teacher; and served as many dinners as were offered. When she wasn’t serving her family or her church, Irene enjoyed solitude. Endearing were the times when you came upon her reading Scriptures, pruning flowers, or feeding birds. When Irene approached, you might say, “Here comes a lady who loves fashion.” Bright colors, red lipstick and big earrings. When her young family all reached school age, Irene found a place for her fashion passion. She spent many wonderful years working in local salons enjoying the clientele and developing lasting friendships. Irene believed in forgiveness, kindness and helping others. If you ever needed anything that she had, you need not ask. If she figured it out, as she most often did, it was yours. She believed in fairness and thought that the smallest voices carried the loudest message. Irene was a prayer warrior, and at the top of her list were her eight great-grandchildren she called her Angels. For these, she reserved her biggest smiles and always had a special refrigerator full of juice boxes and a jar full of cookies. She prayed the world would be a safe and happy place for Kiera, Madeline, Aubrey, Jacob, Makayla, Aayden and Avery. It is nice to think that perhaps she will be the first one to kiss her Angels-in-waiting -- Harper in September and Baby Jones in December. We cannot say goodbye to our Mother without expressing a heartfelt thank you to all of the caregivers at The Orchard. As her children, we are accustomed to seeing our Mother as a caregiver, but as her mind and body failed, we surrendered her to more competent hands. The wonderful staff cared for her with unmatched tenderness and compassion. Many a time we heard Mom say to the staff, “I love you,” and they would respond, “I love you too.” And now this beautiful, brave woman, known as Miss Pittman, Irene, Mom, or Nanny, has left us with hearts full of pride; minds full of memories; and a hope that one day we will see her again. It is terribly hard to let go Mom, but your job among us is complete, and you deserve to rest in peace. Thank you for a life of love and sacrifice. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m.Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Irvington Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

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Events

Jul
06
Visitation
Wednesday, July 06 2016
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Irvington Baptist Church
53 King Carter Drive
Irvington, VA 22480
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Jul
06
Service
Wednesday, July 06 2016
02:00 PM
Irvington Baptist Church
53 King Carter Drive
Irvington, VA 22480
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail