Jane Pittman

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Jane Little Pittman was born Sept. 8, 1924 in Clinton, South Carolina, the only child of John W. and Irene Curlee Little. She died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 at her home. Jane graduated from Clinton High School in 1941, and followed her mother in going to Winthrop College (now University), where she majored in home economics and graduated in 1945.

Jane lived in Charlotte and was an assistant home demonstration agent for Mecklenburg County from July 1, 1945 to July 1, 1946. In July 1946, at age 21, she moved to Rockingham to become home demonstration agent and girls 4H leader for Richmond County. The position brought her into contact with people throughout the county, and she retained a broad knowledge of and interest in them all her life.

In Rockingham, Jane met attorney John B. Pittman, and they were married on April 8, 1948. Jane continued her position with the county until Dec. 31, 1948, when she left to raise a family.

Jane joined the First Baptist Church and was active in it for 65 years. She taught adult Sunday school, played the piano for department worship and led the after-school activities for grade-school children. She and John led the Sunday evening activities for the church's teens for 28 years. Jane was active in the Baptist Women, serving as director, group leader and in other leadership positions.

Jane was active in the Rockingham Women's Club (later the Richmond County Women's Club) for more than 60 years, and served in many leadership positions, including as the club's president and for many years more recently as its treasurer. She was active in the Gardenettes (later the Rockingham Garden Club) for more than 30 years.

Jane was an avid bridge player and a member of four and five bridge clubs at any one time throughout her 71 years in Rockingham. She was in the Friday Luncheon Club, a favorite, for more than 45 years.

Jane loved to travel and took several long trips in the U.S. with John in his later years. After John's death she enjoyed several trips abroad with her daughter and son-in-law, Irene and Kevin Aiken.

John died in 1999, but Jane is survived by their seven children and their spouses: Virginia P. and William A. Sikes; John Little and Lucinda Pittman; Mary Elizabeth P. and A. Dewey Parr; Jane P. and J. Jacob Modla; Carol P. and Dr. Harrison A. Latimer; Ira B. and Tina Pittman; and Drs. Irene P. and Kevin Aiken. Jane is also survived by her 17 grandchildren and one spouse and two great-grandchildren; J. Michael and Breanna Pittman and their two children, Makayla and Stryder; John Bradford Pittman; Rebecca Jenny Pittman; Amelia Jane Parr; William John Parr; Harrison Armistead Latimer Jr.; John McChesney Latimer; Hunter Jennings Latimer; Walker Pittman Latimer; John Watson Pittman; Elizabeth Renee Pittman; Kathleen Mabe Pittman; Bradford Ira Pittman; Dorothy Jane Pittman Modla; Georgia Parks Modla; Carol Jennings Modla; and Robert Kevin Aiken. Also surviving are 10 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

Jane loved the water, and participated in water aerobics for many years, first in private pools and then in Rockingham at the Fitness Center from the first day the pool opened in 2003.

Jane loved the beach and for 30 years or more Jane and John and then Jane, hosted their children and grandchildren for a week at the South Carolina Shore. The large family also gathered in Rockingham for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and for birthdays, weddings and whenever they could be together.

Jane's family and friends will gather on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham to celebrate her life. A time of fellowship with the family will follow the service. The family will gather at the Aiken home, 825 Williamsburg Dr., Rockingham.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC 28379.

Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.