Louise Pittman Surett

1927 - 2020

Louise Pittman Surett

- - Louise Pittman Surett passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 21, 2020, and was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments. Louise Surett was a beautiful, joyful, warm, energetic, and wise woman who loved life and prized her faith and family above all else.

She is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Fred L. Surett. Their tender and devoted marriage, rooted and guided by their Christian faith, continues to serve as a model for those who knew and loved them.

Born on May 6, 1927, she is also predeceased by her parents, Wade H. Pittman and Pearl P. Pittman, and by her siblings: Betty Pittman, Jessie Pittman, Marvin Pittman, Geraldine P. Starnes, and Betty P. Ward. As the oldest of 7 children, Louise became a natural caregiver, skills she exercised throughout her life when compassionately caring for others.

Her strength and sense of prudence, humility, and responsibility were forged during the difficult years of the Great Depression. During World War II, she worked as a telephone operator and took pride in supporting and writing to the troops, especially to Fred, the sailor she married in 1946. In the 1970s and 1980s, after she reared her two daughters, she worked at Union Bleachery.

Louise enjoyed nature, animals, growing flowers, and exploring the foothills and land that had been in her family for generations. She loved traveling, cooking, and entertaining. She was an active member of Clearview Baptist Church and was particularly close with fellow members of her Mission Minded Sunday School class. Louise displayed an eager sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Her principles and optimism were grounded in her deep and unwavering faith.

She was a doting, involved, and encouraging grandmother, and delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had an abundance of friends and remained mindful, in the words of the 23rd Psalm, that her "cup runneth over."

She and her family are grateful to several devoted caregivers and health providers, especially Ronnie Arms, Pat Pruitt, and Dr. Matthew Nessmith, who helped make her final months more comfortable.

Louise is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Linda Surett Tollison and Dr. C. David Tollison, and Sandy Surett Langley and Dr. Jerry C. Langley; grandchildren Dr. Courtney Louise Tollison Hartness and Sean P. Hartness, Charles David Tollison, Jr., Spencer Davis Langley and Kristina G. Langley, and Brittany Langley Lawson and Dr. Scott D. Lawson; and great-grandchildren Surett M. Langley, Groves D. Langley, Harrison S. Lawson, Gladden C. T. Hartness, and Hampton A. Lawson. She has one surviving sister, Pauline Pittman Surett; one brother-in-law, James Surett, a loving helper in recent years; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Pittman Clyde.

Due to COVID-19 and out of respect for the health of those she loved, a private graveside service for family and close friends will be held in coming days. Honorary pall bearers are Ray Surett, Gregg Barnes, Ronnie Arms, Tim While, Kenneth Ward, Austin Hudson, Jerry Starnes, Micheal Starnes, Ricky Starnes, Keith Stidham, and Tom Corbin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Louise P. Surett to the Mission Minded Sunday School Class or the Clearview Building Fund, Clearview Baptist Church, 5611 State Park Road, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690.

Condolences may be sent to www.thehowzemortuary.com.