Ethel Pitt (Big Mama), 94, passed away on Aug. 1, 2017 surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Ethel was born on June 15, 1923 to Herbert and Ethel Gurganus. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grand Mother, Great Grandmother and Sister. She centered her life around her faith and love for her Savior Jesus Christ. In 1958 on November the 10th she and Clyde opened their hearts and love to their adopted son, Steven. Ethel made sure the family was always in church and learning about her Savior. Even at the age of 90, Ethel volunteered at church, held Bible studies, wrote the name tags for the Christian Womens Club luncheon, she visited the sick and the elderly as she called it because thats what God wanted. At Christmas she always made sure the family did not forget the reason for the season with a reading of the Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-20). As her mind deteriorated she still loved to tell others about her faith and love of the Lord and in her last hours she told Jesus to take her.
She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Ethel, husband Clyde, her siblings Dell, Herbert, Jack, Marvin and Helen.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Steven (Mary k), brother Gene (Nancy), grandchildren, Jennifer (Jereme), Sarah, great grandchildren, Noah and Sophia, along with many relatives, friends and her great grand dog, Finley.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services.
Visitation
Oakdale Baptist Church
13037 Hwy US 64 Alt
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Saturday 8/5, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Service
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Oakdale Baptist Church
13037 Hwy US 64 Alt
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Saturday 8/5, 2:00 am
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Ethel Gurganus Pitt
My memories of Aunt Ethel are all good ones. She was a very kind and patient lady. As a young boy I spent a lot of time with her and Steve, often spending a week at the time in Virginia Beach. When Steve and I were together we were very curious and often pushed those boundaries of curiosity. From staying out in the streets too late to slinging Popsicle into the ceiling light fixture I never saw her lose her cool or speak a harsh word. She always took care of me as if I was her son, also. Im sorry to say that I did not go see her much as the recent years went by. In the past month I probably spent more time with her than I had in the past 10 years. Each visit was very enjoyable sharing memories and talking about my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Im sad she had to leave this earth, but Im happy with the relationship we had and the memories we shared.
I want to send my deepest sympathy to the family of Ethel Gurganus Pitt. The bible tells us we can gain comfort from God, even during times of sorrow. We pray to our heavenly father for help to cope with the sorrow felt from the death of a loved one. By prayer and supplication, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. Philippians 46 May you find comfort by relying on our heavenly father and learning more about the blessings of Gods kingdom. Local ministry volunteer