Reflections of Beloved Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman

Mrs. Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman was born on March 12, 1923 in Montgomery County, Kilmichael, Mississippi to the late Henry and Maggie Purnell. She is the great-great granddaughter of Matilda, the great granddaughter of Paul and Hester Purnell, and the granddaughter of George and Mary Jane Ingram Purnell. She confessed her love to Christ at an early age and remained a faithful servant joining Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Mary Lee-Purnell Pittman married her childhood sweetheart, W.C. Pittman in 1938. To this union, three children were conceived Clyde W. Pittman, Winston R. Pittman, Sr., and Wetra Pittman-Murray. She passed from this life at the beautiful age of 94 on October 22, 2017, at St. Dominic's Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She was a faithful servant of God, and a dedicated member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman was born into a well-established family estate in the community of Pleasant Hill. Here she gained a love for God's Word, family life, community endeavors, servant-hood, and good times with loved ones near and far. Mrs. Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman lived her life based on simple principle, "Do unto to others and as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). This motto was exemplified in her daily life and conversations in her efforts to serve others. Demonstrating her love for God was felt by many and was contagious throughout the community as she welcomed everyone with open arms, a smile, and firm pat on the back. Mrs. Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman was President of the Missionary Board, President of the Mission Board, worked with Head Start for several years among many more.

Some of the fondest memories of Mom were her tasty meals, style, celebrations, family time, her trips to town, and the Big J (Jackson, MS). The aroma of the fireplace, pound cakes, fried pies, teas cakes, and/or whatever fine meals were cooked created a sense of warmth throughout the house and always made people feel welcome. Mom was always a step ahead on style and enjoyed wearing beautiful garments. She would often say after dressing, "Baby I'm a Bad Number!" Family was always a priority. She connected with her loved ones through words of wisdom, laughter, wholesome meals, and a listening ear, as everyone was welcome to her home and in her heart. Mom understood that building strong foundations was the recipe in creating sound long lasting loving bonds. In Mom's effort to develop a healthy family life she would travel near and far to assist with her family in caring for her grandchildren in order to assist with building extended generational legacies. Mom Pittman understood the idea of unconditional love by often putting herself last so that her family could aspire to be the best and achieve their dreams. She took pride in being a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, auntie, sister, friend, confidant, caregiver, and servant of the Lord. We thank you Mom Pittman for your great legacy as she has blessed the fruit of her womb and her succeeding generations. Your memories will live on today and always.

Mrs. Mary Lee Pittman legacy lives on through her children: Clyde W. Pittman, Winston R. Pittman, Sr. (Alma) Louisville, KY, and Wetra Murray (Walter); grandchildren, Keith Pittman (Carmen), Derek Pittman, Tracy Pittman (Tanya), Winston R. Pittman Il (Sarita), Misty V. Withers (Marcus); Jabari D. Pittman, LaWetra Paige Bass, and Victory Murray; great grandchildren: Kennedy S. Withers, Marcus D. Withers Il, Jayce M. Pittman, Hardt S. Withers, Kimberly Pittman, Clyde Pittman, Tenecesia White (Anthony); great great grandchildren: Akeela White, Amari White, Marissa Pittman, Mary Pittman, and Madison Pittman.

Mrs. Mary Lee Purnell-Pittman was the 3rd sibling of the late Henry and Maggie Purnell. She was proceeded in death by her brothers and sisters: J. C. (Ella) Purnell, Earnest (Louise) Purnell, Robert (Azell) Purnell, Calvin Purnell, Bennetta (Monroe Sr.) Golden, Hal (Tommie*) Purnell, and Reese (Erma*) Purnell; and host of nieces and nephews. (* Still with us)

Special thanks to Mom's Caregivers:

Wilma Carodine, Peggy Golden, Diedore Campbell, Shirley Owens, and Monica Green.

May God Bless You.

Honorary Pallbearers

Mr. Arthur Purnell

Mr. Robert Purnell, Jr.

Mr. Quinton Purnell

Mr. Monroe Golden

Mr. Bernard Golden

Mr. Tony Golden

(Nephews)

Mr. Wendell Flowers (Dedicated Deacon)

Pallbearers

Mr. Keith Pittman

Mr. Derek Pittman

Mr. Tracy Pittman

Mr. Winston R. Pittman II

Mr. Jabari D. Pittman

Mr. Marcus D. Withers I

(Grandsons)

Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Grandchildren

Arrangements entrusted to:

Roberts and Sons Funeral Home

524 Greensboro St.

Winona, MS. 38967

Acknowledgements

Mr. Winston R. Pittman Sr.

 Service Information