Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Loretta Theresa Pittmon Kirkland
Loretta Theresa Pittmon Kirkland
Obituary
Guest Book
Loretta Pittmon Kirkland Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Loretta graduated from Washington High School in 1964. After graduation, she attended Albany State College. At age 20, she married Mr. Lenton Kirkland and moved to Chicago, Il. She completed her bachelors and masters in Education at Northeastern Illinois University and Chicago State. Following graduation she began working as a teacher with the Chicago Public School System.
She devoted over 25 years to serving the Lawndale Community at Ryerson Elementary School on Chicago's West Side, where she assumed many leadership responsibilities as the Lead Teacher. Throughout her tenure, she taught multiple generations of families and was a trusted and invaluable resource to students, parents, and colleagues alike.
Loretta was a proud and devoted Chicago Bulls fan, always watching the games on TV and cheering on her team with passion and loyalty. She and Lenton shared a lifelong love of art, often spending weekends visiting galleries and art fairs together. While they appreciated all forms of artistic expression, the majority of their collection reflected their deep connection and pride in African-American culture and heritage.
She transitioned from life on July 18, 2025. Loretta was preceded in death by her mother, father, 9 brothers; RC, Toy Lee, Jeremiah, Donald, Simon, Andrew, Nemiah, William, Norah, 2 sisters; Argene Pittmon Hunter, Ivery Mae Pittmon Bell.
She leaves to celebrate her life and memory. Her husband, 2 children; Lekita Hargrave (Anthony), Lenton Kirkland II (Erika), 5 grandchildren; Bakari Hargrave (Magdalene), Niara Hargrave, Imani Hargrave, Grayson Kirkland, Grant Kirkland; a brother Jack Pittmon (Delores); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She held a special place in her heart for the Fitten, Wilson, and Kirkland families, whom she lovingly considered her own. Their love and presence brought her joy and comfort throughout her life.
Service is entrusted to Paradise Mortuary and Cremation Services, 463 Atlanta, St Marietta, GA 30060
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Loretta Theresa Pittmon Kirkland, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Mattie Dillard
July 25, 2025
Kirkland Family,
God is the Master Weaver.
He knows when His tapestry is finished.
Heartfelt condolences from the Dillard Family
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sheronda Edwards
July 25, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news!
I was informed this morning.
Mrs. Kirkland was the very first African American teacher I had. She was my 3rd grade teacher at Ryerson. She was a very classy and prideful lady.
I also experienced the pleasure of working alongside her as a colleague at Ryerson. It was during those times that she and I became close. She was very supportive of me when I became a new teacher, wife and mother. For years, I enjoyed talking to her on the phone about life as a teacher and everyday growing pains. She loved her family. She was especially proud of her children and her grandchildren. As the years progressed, we lost contact. I tried to call her several times and sent a Facebook friend request to no avail. I finally researched her and found out she moved.
I will NEVER forget the impact she had on my life! You all have my condolences because you have lost a JEWEL.
Respectfully,
Sheronda Edwards
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
463 Atlanta St, Marietta, GA 30060
Make a Donation
in Loretta Pittmon Kirkland's name
People and places connected with Loretta
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Loretta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Loretta Pittmon Kirkland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
