When the county schools begin on Monday, a long-time familiar face will not be there to greet students on their first day of school since March at West Marion Elementary School. Teacher Brenda Pittman lost her battle with COVID-19 on Monday.
Pittman has been a staple at West Marion for many years, starting out as a teacher’s assistant before going back to school and getting her teaching degree. In addition to teaching, she was also a bus driver of a “big yellow dog” as she called it.
Pittman is survived by her husband, Charlie Pittman. Charlie Pittman is currently in a hospital also fighting the coronavirus. They have two sons, Buck and Chad Pittman.
“She was a great friend, great person and great Christian lady,” Marion County School Superintendent Wendy Bracey said Wednesday afternoon while choking back tears.
Bracey added on her Facebook page, “And as our motto for this school year is, Be a SPARK! Ignite Inspiration! Thank you, Bren-der! You did not have the chance to share in this motto with us, but I promise you that you have already lived this motto. We are forever grateful for the SPARKS you created while you were here on earth with us.”
West Marion Elementary Principal Sherrie Williams also shared her condolences on Facebook Tuesday.
“I am reminded, once again, we are not promised tomorrow. And though my heart aches for ALL of us who know and love Brenda Pittman, I Thank God for allowing me to be a small part of her life,” she wrote.
West Marion High School junior Alexis Tackett expressed her feelings for Pittman on Facebook as well.
“Mrs. Brenda was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. The love I had for her cant (sic) be expressed by just this post, but I’ll try anyway. I have so many happy and funny memories in your classes. You had such a big heart, and you were always there for us when we needed you. We could talk to you about anything and you knew exactly what to say. I’ll never forget your class,” she wrote. “Rest in Peace Mrs. Brenda.”
Elementary teacher Amber Tynes posted on Pittman’s Facebook page, “My co-worker, my friend, I’m am going to miss you so much!”
When Pittman’s oldest son Buck Pittman, announced her passing on his Facebook he had this to say about his mother, “My mother loved her God, family, and her job. She was always active and a leader in every church we attended and she was on the praise team or in the choir of every church she walked in. She has fed, clothed, and taught most young people in and around Marion County over the years. Anyone who was ever been touched by her singing, saxophone playing, cooking, or her wild sense of humor will not easily forget it. There is no doubt in my mind where she is right now and that she is in a better place. We will miss her dearly.”
Besides being an elementary teacher, Pittman was also known for her singing and playing of the saxophone. At Mt. Carmel Church of God in Foxworth, she was active on the praise team and also involved with the youth.
Visitation was held for Brenda Pittman Friday night from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Mt. Carmel. The funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the church as well.
