Mary Jo Pittman, 77, of Green Creek passed into the Lord’s arms on Oct. 6, 2011 following an extended illness.
The beloved wife of Charles E. Pittman, Mary Jo was a daughter of the late Ralph and Iris Edwards. A resident of Green Creek since childhood, she was a graduate of Green Creek High School and the Rutherford Hospital School of Nursing.

Her career as a registered nurse was one which she cherished and which suited her generous and loving heart. She served as the director of nursing at St. Luke’s Hospital following many years there as the in-service training director. Later, she became the first resident nurse at Tryon Estates. Mary Jo played vital roles in the development of the first nursing program at Isothermal Community College, as well as the start up of the first ambulance and EMT services provided by St Luke’s Hospital. Many local health care professionals recall how she encouraged them to continue their education and career paths as caregivers.
A lifelong member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Mary Jo enjoyed her church family as she shared her talents as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and participant in the joyful women’s mission group. Always with a kind word encouraging others to persevere with character, she stressed to all her love and dependence on her Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 19:14 reads “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
Mary Jo is survived by a family who loved and respected her immensely: her husband of 56 years, Charles E. Pittman; her son, David Pittman (Donna) and her daughters, Shay Hahn (Ronnie) and Tami Frazier (Mike). Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss Gran-Gran greatly; they include Marche Pittman (Jennifer), Noah Frazier, Graham Frazier, Jacob Pittman and Celia Pittman. She is also survived by her faithful and adored sister, Evelyn Gee, and her loving brothers, John Edwards and Glenn Edwards. Many special in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews loved, and were loved by “Aunt Jo.” She was preceded in death by her parents as well as two brothers, Charles “Fay” Edwards and Wallace Edwards. Mary Jo was also blessed with many cherished friends, three of which were lifelong and continued to shower her with love throughout her illness; thank you, Marlene Fisher, Gayle Hembree and Reba Hodge.
The family would like to thank the many special caregivers at Benson Hall and White Oak Manor for the kind and respectful care they gave to one of their own, a nurse who loved them all.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the church, conducted by Dr. Michael Keel and Rev. Gary Lockee. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In honor of Mary Jo’s very generous and compassionate nature during her life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th floor, New York, N.Y. 10001.
Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.
Petty Funeral Home & Crematory, Landrum.