The Times of Mother Evangelist Cremonia Pittman

“There’s a time for everything and a season for everything under the sun. A time to be born and a time die.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

A Time to Be Born: Mother Cremonia Pittman was the only child born to Shed Graggs and Ola Mae Horn-Pugh in Cortelyou, Alabama on December 23, 1935. She was affectionately loved and raised by her grandparents, Billi and Charles Hall, along with her aunts and uncles.

A Time to Learn: She attended school in the Wagerville County School District. She furthered her education after moving to St. Louis, Missouri as a Nursing Assistant in the Vocational Program.

A Time for Love: Mother C. Pittman met and married the late Bishop James L. Pittman in Pritchard, Alabama. A job offer in St. Louis, Missouri was accepted by her husband to work in his
profession as a metal polisher. She soon followed him and set up their family home in St. Louis, Missouri. To their union six children were born.

A Time to Plant Seeds, Worship and Harvest: “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 | After settling in St. Louis as a young couple, the Pittmans were being witnessed to by their neighbors who were members of The Lively Stone Church of God. Mother Pittman was baptized in the Name of Jesus and later received the infilling
of the Holy Ghost at Lively Stone Church of God under the faithful leadership of the late Bishop Phillip Lee Scott. She remained committed to and served in the house of the Lord, serving on the Missionary Board, laboring with souls in the tarrying room to receive the Holy Ghost, singing in the Bishop’s Choir, and was a faithful member of the Women’s Ministry for many years at Lively Stone until God instructed her husband to start a church in East St. Louis, Illinois. She worked faithfully by her husband’s side intentionally and steadfastly, winning many souls for Christ. She was a praying woman and a fierce confidant to her husband, doting mother for her children, and a passionate woman of God who loved her church family and the people of God. She was a trailblazer, a trendsetter, and a woman of first who was witty in business, starting one of the first resale shops that repurposed, revived, and gave new life and a new look to clothing that would have been discarded. Everything that she endeavored and everyone she touched in life she approached with a mindset of saving, enhancing, and making better. She was a true Proverbs 31 Virtuous woman and a country girl at heart. She always had a garden of home-grown tomatoes and various greens which she used to feed her family. Those who knew her, knew the dinner table was always beautifully decorated and set ready to serve her family and guests.

Mother Pittman had the heart of her husband and the love of God for His people. And she represented both well. Oftentimes beautiful flowers and fancy hats were the chosen accessories that adorned her as she tirelessly served and won souls for the Lord for over 60 years, working on the battlefield alongside her husband. Today, as a show of devotion, her daughters and granddaughters have chosen a hat from her vast collection to wear in honor and remembrance of her.

A Time to Transition From Labor to Reward: Mother Cremonia Pittman answered God’s call from Labor to Reward on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. She was 85 years of age. She was surrounded by her family who vowed to not leave her alone after the homegoing of her beloved husband, the late Bishop James L. Pittman, just eight years prior. Even in sickness, Mother Cremonia Pittman remained steadfast, unmovable, and always abiding in the work of the Lord. Hitherto her soul is now free indeed and resting in the bosom of Abraham. She has earned her rest for she has served well. Her labor has not been in vain, and she used every minute of the dash God gave her from commission to decommission. Her legacy remains in all who were saved, filled, healed, and blessed by her gift. And as David said of Jonathan, “Your seat is empty, and you shall be missed!” She is now resting with her husband, Bishop James L. Pittman; and son, Eddie Lee Rashberry, and daughter, Ruth Pittman. 

She leaves not to mourn but to celebrate her life, legacy, and to carry on her work: her children, Pastor Angela (Bede) Essien, Lawrence (Lorraine) Pittman, Janice Pittman, Ramona Lynn Pittman, Jeniece (Eddie) Andrews, and a special daughter, Donna JoyceAnn (Arthur) Rembert,; three grandchildren she raised as her own, Laron Ware, Melanie (Antwan Sr.) Stith, and
Aaron Ware; two sisters, Micki Savage and Kathy Etheredge; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her Bethel Lively Stone Church Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mother Cremonia ("Evangelist") Pittman, please visit our floral store.