Marvin R. Pittman

Raleigh

Marvin Ray Pittman, 66, departed this world on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Edgecombe County on May 5, 1950 to the late Willie and Hattie Pittman. Upon graduation from NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount in 1972, Marvin moved to Raleigh where he began his life's purpose as a devoted husband, father and advocate for children.

His life's work spanned throughout the Wake County Public School System, Durham County Public School System, NC Department of Public Instruction, and NC State Board of Education. Upon retirement in 2009, he vigorously continued his work in education through Pittman Education Consulting until his health declined earlier this year. Marvin was a devoted member of Compassionate Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church in Raleigh for more than 28 years where he served as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Earnestine, his daughters, Ebony and Marva Pittman; surviving brothers, Mason, James (Leona) and sister, Bettie Jean Pittman; brothers who preceded him in death, Ben (Bessie Mae), Willie Jr. (Ruth) and McCoy (Helen) Pittman; along with a host of dear family members and friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of UNC Rex Cancer Center and Transitions Life Care for the exceptional care, concern and support they provided during this journey.

Public Viewing to be held at Lea Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 20, from 1:00PM to 8:00PM.

Visitation to be held Wednesday, September 21 at 12:00PM, at Oak City Baptist Church in Raleigh, followed by Funeral Services at 1:00PM. Burial will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens, Garner.

Arrangements by Lea Funeral Home, 919-231-1000, Online condolences at www.leafuneral home.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Sep. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Pittman

Sponsored by Lea Funeral Home.

59 Entries

James Hargett

September 11, 2024

Marvin was a good friend and great colleague. He served as an excellent role model to countless African American boys when we worked together with the School/Community Helping Hands Program.

You are dearly missed and your legacy is enshrine in the many young males young mentored.

Lots of fond memories.

James Hargett

James Hargett

September 11, 2019

Remembering a great man, friend and colleague. Marvin touched so many lives in such a caring and positive way. Our prayers of comfort to the family in knowing he made a difference.

Many blessings!
James and Veronica

April Thigpen

October 8, 2016

Taking care of Mr. Pittman was truly a blessing. Your family is so special to me and I have continued to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless - April Thigpen, RN

Cheryl Jackson

September 23, 2016

I send my sincerest sympathy to the Pittman family. Mr. Pittman hired me in 1986 when he was the principal of Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School. I pray that God will comfort your hearts.

Tonya Jarrett Long

September 22, 2016

To Ebony and the Pittman family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. I pray that memories of the awesome works of your father bring you comfort.

Sue and Joe Moody

September 22, 2016

Ernestine and family,

I am very proud and happy to have been a colleague of both Marvin and Ernestine. Both served Wake County Public Schools with great heart and skill.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you,
Sue Moody

Frances Spransy-Harper

September 22, 2016

Ernestine, I doubt that you remember me but I was a freshman at Wesleyan with you and Marvin. Molly Beck and I are friends and she shared the news of Marvins' death. I remember you so fondly and am so impressed in reading of Marvins career and impact on the Wake community. I am sure you are very proud of the difference he made in the lives of many. The Lord bless you and keep you and may his light shine upon you until you are together again.

James Hargett

September 21, 2016

Ernestine and family,

Veronica and I send our love and heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I remember the fond memories of Marvin in the School/ Community Helping Hands Program and your support. The two of you were such a great couple and a model for our young people. We didn't get a chance to talk to you at the funeral but we will be in contact soon. In addition, on behalf of all the mentors, mentees and their families of the School/ Community Helping Hands Program, we send our love and deepest sympathy to you and the family.

Carrie Unstead

September 21, 2016

Marvin was a light to many lives he touched. May his impact in our lives continue to live on in our heart. My his legacy and support for education help us to make education stronger for our children. He will truly be missed. Schoolmate and Educator

Carrie Umstead Davis

September 21, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the Pittman family. Praying for strength and peace during the time of your loss.
Carrie Umstead Davis

Edd Dunlap

September 21, 2016

Marvin was a godsend for me more than once. He was my mentor and my friend. My sincere condolences to the family

Cecelia Chapman

September 21, 2016

Mrs. Pittman , Ebony, and Marva,
You have my deepest sympathy. My condolences are expressed with great sadness. Mr. Pittman was a gifted educator. I worked for him at Farmington Woods. He convinced me to become a principal because he believed in my capacity to lead so all children's talents and gifts would be developed. I did become an assistant principal at Adams and principal at Leesville Elementary. When asked to write about who influenced me in my career, I wrote about Mr. Pittman. I am sure he is sharing his profound knowledge of education to all the heavenly Angels. May he rest in peace.

Cecelia Chapman

Delores Revis

September 21, 2016

Marvin was a gentleman, a topnotch administrator, and a great human being.

September 21, 2016

Marion Wray

Ernestine and your family,
Ian so sorry to hear of Marvin's passing. I was the physical education teacher at Carroll. Marvin was a wonderful and caring administrator. His sense of humor and quick wit was a wonderful way to lead our school, students and teachers. I feel blessed to have known him. I lost my husband last summer and I know how much Marvin will be missed by you and your girls.. May the love Of God and your wonderful memories. be with you in your time of sorrow.

Richard & Mary Phillips

September 21, 2016

Ernestine and daughters, we were saddened to hear about the loss of your loved one, may God bless you and keep you through these trying days.

Julius. &. Mary Hinton

September 21, 2016

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ( mark 46:1

September 20, 2016

To my cousin Marvin.

Thank you so much for always being kind and compassionate to my mother, Aunt Sissy, my sister Catherine, and myself. That meant a lot to me. You were never too busy.

Thank you for being about the Lord's business.

September 20, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls during this sad time. Please find comfort in all the positive influence that Marvin had in every life he came into contact with.

Love to you,
Sue Kummerer

September 20, 2016

Mr Pittman

You will truly be missed. It was always a pleasure to see my former 8th grade science teacher from Carnage Junior High of Raleigh NC who looked like he never aged. Your family has lost an angel. May God put his protected arms around your family through this time of healing. The Pittman will be kept in prayers.

With my Deepest Sympathy,

Tina Matthews

Morris & Martha Godwin

September 20, 2016

Those that know God find comfort in knowing that earth hath no sorrow that heaven can not heal. He has run the race and finished the course therefore there is a crown of life laid up for him in heaven.

Gloria Bullock

September 20, 2016

Ernestine, on behalf of the Bullock Family of Battleboro, N.C (Mary, Ella, Gloria, Sylvia, Deborah and Cynthia), your family have our prayers, heartfelt sympathy and love. Marvin's good works on earth shall long be remembered as he dwells Heaven. God Bless You!

Nelma Knight

September 20, 2016

I was sadden to hear of the passing of your love one. May God give you strength to endure your loss. My prayers are with you and the family.
Sincerely,
Nelma Knight

Christine Cherry

September 20, 2016

My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family.

Christine Cherry, Rocky Mount, NC
Classmate-George Washington Carver HS - 1968

Annie Horne

September 20, 2016

Marvin was a true friend. He has gained the victory of everlasting life. We shall meet again in Christ 's second coming and will be together always. To the family, Marvin is not gone. He awaits you on the other side. Rejoice in his victory. Someday you will also be victorious. Hold fast to his loving memories. I shall do the same. May God continue to bring you comfort and strength in your moment of bereavement .

Wetonah "Toni" Rice Parker

September 20, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Pittman family during this sad time. I will always remember Marvin fondly and have wonderful memories of working with him in Wake County Public Schools when we were young educators. In all his years in education, he never lost sight of the vision he had for children, all children. I know his family and friends will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another.

Richard Ramsey

September 20, 2016

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers. Marvin was a great friend, father, husband and committed educator and I will miss him dearly..
May God continue to bless you and give you strength .

Mike Ward

September 20, 2016

Marvin Pittman was a blessing to his family, to his community, to his state and to the nation. He was a tireless advocate for quality education and for justice. He was an outstanding school leader, serving in administrative posts at the school, district, and state level, but he was a teacher first. In our years of working together, he taught me, and I'm a better person for having known him. I appreciate all that he did for the children of our state and, along with so many others, celebrate this marvelous man, this shining light in our midst.

September 19, 2016

Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers. Your father was an outstanding educator and will be missed.

Sam and Pam Misher
Greensboro, NC

Mia Green

September 19, 2016

I am soooooooo very disappointed to hear that my friend and mentor Marvin Pittman has gone ahead to join the Lord. What a great encouragement he was to me in my work with Wake County Raising Achievemnt and Closing gaps. I will really miss him. I have incredibly fond memories of the times we shared in our meetings and all to the glory of God. For the least of these. Our children. RIP you really have done well.

Barbara Keith

September 19, 2016

I will always remember Marvin's magnetic personality, infectious laughter, and genuine concern for others. A legend in the education arena, Marvin was also a prolific icon in the community. I pray that Ernestine, Ebony, and Marva will find solace in the belief that although gone from sight, this loving husband and devoted father will walk with them in spirit. God bless and keep you!

Nancy H Freeman

September 19, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Marvin from G. W. Carver High School, Pinetops, NC where he graduated. I was Secretary there during that time. GOD BLESS!

September 19, 2016

I knew Marvin during the years both of us worked at the N. C. Department of Public Instruction. I remember him as a kind person who loved his family and was very proud of his girls. He was passionate about his work in helping to education both parents and children in order to improve life for each generation.

Samuel Wright

September 19, 2016

To the Pittman family from Sam & jinnie Wright. Sorry for your lost. We will keep you in our prayers.

Elsie Bobbitt

September 19, 2016

REST IN PEACE, MARVIN.

Alice G Francis From Morning Star Battleboro Nc.

September 19, 2016

Please accept my deepest condolences.At this time.Remember God is strength and comfort.

Moses High

September 19, 2016

Marvin was a dedicated educator and a friend to those who loved helping young people prepare for their future. Enjoyed working with him in the Wake County Schools Community Helping Hands Project. Will miss this true soldier.

Annie Shaw

September 19, 2016

To the family. Deacon Pittman was an IMPACTFUL man. When I heard of his passing, it seemed as if there was a shift. Many have been blessed by him, knowingly as well as unknowingly. He was an exceptional individual. In his presence, there was this expectation of excellence and he made anyone feel as if they could even if they questioned their abilities prior to being in his presence. May GOD give you the strength and peace that he has throughout all of this. I'm never too far away to be of service to you.

With love,

Sister Annie Shaw and Family

Randall, Whitney, Jason, and Jalen Graham

September 18, 2016

What a wonderful man. Deacon Pittman was a blessing to me and my family, helping us during some of our darkest hours. I will truly be forever grateful for his love and support. God bless you all Sister Pittman, your family and the Compassionate family at this time...

Joseph F. Johnson

September 18, 2016

I shall always remember Marvin's generous spirit and tireless commitment to making a difference. I shall especially remember his guidance and support when I was Chair of the NC Advisory Commission on Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps. He will be missed.

May the Peace of the Lord be with the Family Always.

Joseph F. Johnson, Acting President
Virginia Union University

Alfred Mays

September 18, 2016

Marvin's tireless efforts and passion in addressing the achievement and opportunity gaps were an inspiration to many programming and mentoring efforts. May the foundation Marvin helped lay be the catalyst for those impacted and seeking to make a difference. Blessings to the family and many communities touched by Marvin's work.

September 18, 2016

I wish that your family will be comforted during your time of loss of a leader in faith,family and education for all people.

Let your light so shine before men,that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Saint Matthews 5:16

Your Sister-in-Christ
Rita Roberts

Nicole Melton

September 18, 2016

Mr. Pittman was truly a wonderful man. I had the awesome pleasure of working for him during his time at NCDPI. Truly saddened to hear of the loss of such a Pioneer in Education. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family. Heaven gained an Angel!

Yevonne Brannon

September 18, 2016

Marvin had an incredible positive and inspiring approach to life! He was a very experienced educator and a man of strong faith. He was always kind, considerate, he was a listener who could see solutions. Marvin was a doer! Marvin championed children and the need for high quality public schools. He never gave up advocating for inclusive and well-funded schools. He worked tirelessly as a teacher, a principal, and as a church member. When at NCDPI, he traveled all across the state working to turn around struggling schools. We had a 30 year running joke about him being older than me (by 6 days!) He insisted he was smarter therefore and I willingly let him have that title and I took age before beauty! Marvin cast a long shadow where ever he traveled...He will be missed by his families at home and church and by everyone who will be missing him when the community meets to works for our children.

Lester and Geraldine Gorham

September 17, 2016

To Marvin Ray wife and children etc., Bettie Jean, Mason, James and all my family;
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Marvin Ray.
We are praying for you as well as extending our condolences.

Connie Cuttino

September 17, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family of Marvin Pittman. He was a great advocate for children and educators across the NC and beyond. Thank you for enriching touching so many lives here and challenging us all to do the same. Marvin, you will truly be missed here on earth, may you find rest in heaven.

Sincerely,
Connie Cuttino

Magnolia Edge

September 17, 2016

Thanks for the wonderful things he has done.

Gwendolyn Griffin

September 17, 2016

Please accept my deepest condolences. I am praying for strength and comfort for the family at this time. Marvin was a dear, dear friend to me and my sons. He inspired me throughout our relationship at Compassionate. I will miss him very, very much. Those we love who pass away live on in us through our memories and our character. The pain of loss is something that none can escape, but you don't have to go through it alone . I am praying for you to have peace and strength at this time. I am praying for you to get through this time with the peace that comes from the knowledge that God loves you and that He will take care of you. I hope that you know that you can call me anytime to let me know what I can do to help.

Lois Nixon

September 16, 2016

Kids ALWAYS came first for Marv. From his time as principal at Farmington Woods Elementary putting up with this PTA mom, to working for diversity and student success in Wake County Schools, and through his church, Marv was a dogged dynamo and leader. Such a great professional mentor. Wish I had known he was sick, so I could visit or send a note and tell him again, "You're the best, Marv." Still an inspiration!

Melda Dunn

September 17, 2016

Mr. Pittman's conviction of doing what's right for all children was more contagious than he may ever realize. His passion for equitable education for all children helped birth the "Closing the Achievement Gap" movement. His advice, smile, and laughter will truly be missed. Such a champion for education!

Linda R Harrill

September 16, 2016

I loved Marvin. HIs spirit of caring especially for those less fortunate was amazing. He was a tireless advocate for children and youth. His many years in education touched parents, other teachers, and administrators and the young people he taught and whose lives he impacted through the years. He was on the state board of Communities In Schools of NC for many years and served as valuable counsel for me. His probing questions, his indignation at the inequities he saw in school and communities were a catalyst for him to do something. Through his work within his own church he led the challenge to get involved and help those who needed help the most. He will be missed but his legacy will live on in the hearts of many.

Steve Parrott

September 16, 2016

Marvin Pittman was recognized as a true champion for public education in North Carolina and especially Wake County. His legacy is one of leadership, community engagement on important issues, compassion for students and educators, strong Christian service and love of family. He will be greatly missed! WakeEd Partnership sends its condolences and continued thoughts and prayers to Marvin's family.

Christine Kushner

September 16, 2016

Our children have lost an advocate. I will always remember Deacon Marvin Pittman as a man who advocated for all children to succeed and did the work needed to help many young people do just that--succeed in life. May his memory be eternal.

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