Ellen R. PITTMAN

NEWPORT NEWS - Ellen R. Pittman was born to the late Richard Hamlin Sr. and Melinda Hamlin on Aug. 5, 1921, in Waverly, Va. On Friday May 28, 2010, she went home to her heavenly Father.
She was a devoted wife to her husband of 63 years and a loving mother and grandmother to her daughter and grandchildren.
She was a former member of Piney Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, Waverly, Va., before moving to Newport News, Va. After moving to Newport News, she became a member of Christian Union Church.
She retired from the V.A. Medical Center, Hampton, Va., and was recognized for her superior work performance. As a member of Christian Union Church she belonged to several ministries: Senior Choir, Anointed Voices of Praise Choir, Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years, President of Willing Workers Ministry, Secretary of Decorating Ministry and a member of "Noon-Day" Fasting and Prayer Ministry. She was a graduate of Paul D. Camp Community College through the United Church of Christ majoring in Christian Education. She was also a former CBN Counselor.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Inez V. Gray, Minister Irene Hayes, and Minnie C. Watkins; and her brothers, John, Richard, Deacon Arish Hamlin and most recently, Anderson Hamlin Sr., just two weeks ago.
She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, Jesse Pittman; her loving and devoted daughter, Carolyn Pretlow; her loving and devoted son-in-law, Wilroy C. Pretlow Jr.; her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Monica Quinones and her husband, Michael, and Dwayne Pretlow; her great-grandchildren whom she adored, Devin, Mya and Myles Quinones; a devoted and caring niece and her husband, Irene and James Jiggitts and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
Viewing will be from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Va., and two hours prior to the service Friday at the church. Homegoing service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 4, 2010, at Christian Union Church, 3206 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, Va.
The family would like to express its thanks to the staff of Sentara Careplex Hospital, especially to the 3rd Floor Cardiology Staff, and the Sentara Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the care they provided. Special thanks to Mrs. Sabrina Hardy Newby and the staff of Poole's Funeral Home for the arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.