Sharon Renae (Watters) Pittman

I made my grand entrance into this world on February 21, 1962, to the union of Sam and Shirley Ann (Garrett) Watters. They were surely the luckiest parents in the world. I was the second of their five children, but I was one of seven in total: Fred, Anita, Shirle, Sam (Edward), Stephanie and Sheila. I wasn’t the oldest, but I was the bossiest and the fiercest protector. I was also the most sensitive, though my brother Edward could give me a run for my money!

I gave my life to Christ at a young age at Union Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of my grandfather, Reverend E.C. Lee, better known as “Little Poppy.” As with anything, I got busy! I was secretary, Sunday school teacher, choir president and youth director. But that wasn’t enough for me. In the early 90s, I made my grandma, Ever Nell Lee, buy me a bass guitar. And I got my brothers-in-love, “June” (Ollie) and “Joe” (Larry) to give me lessons. It only took two and God did the rest. I told Him, “Lord I’m going to play for You,” so I only played gospel on my “git-fiddle.” I’ve been serving Him ever since!

I’ve got to talk about MY MAN, “Husband”, Carl Pittman. He’s been in love with me since he was three years old and who could blame him?! And I fell in love with him and agreed to be his wife on September 14th, 1985. We’ve been kicking high ever since! My hairdresser, my confidant, my duet partner, my travel companion, my chef, my caretaker, my biggest fan, the ABSOLUTE love of my life.

We had three of the most beautiful girls: “Goobie” Elise aka Candice, “Bunlie” Cherisse, and “Some Swa” Crystal. My mama taught her children to sing and we sang in the choir and in a group, the Union Hill Lee Specials. Just as my mama taught us to sing, I picked up the torch and taught my children to sing in harmony. My man, my girls and I sang in the choir and in a group, as the Pittman Family. Of course, I played my “boy,” my beloved bass. I loved playing and giving praises to God. I shared my gift of playing at Union Hill, Green Grove, Trinity, King’s Chapel, Enon, St Mary, Mt Olive, Morning Star and finally, Mt. Cleveland.

I loved a good intellectual conversation and a good debate. I valued education! I started with my business certificate from ICM, then while being a mother to three young girls, I received my Associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College, my Bachelor’s degree in English from Cleveland State University, and finally, my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University.

After relocating with my family to Alpine, AL, I accepted my first teaching position at Talladega County Schools. I taught there one year, and later returned and retired from there. I also taught in the Bessemer City Schools and Tarrant City Schools. While at Talladega County Schools, I was nominated for, and won, teacher of the Year award and received two Golden Apples. Golden Apples are given by students to the teacher who has had the most impact. I love my students and was willing to go above and beyond to help them succeed. I considered them my adopted sons and daughters. I was also nominated for a national teaching award, the “Life Changer of the Year”! The way I loved my students, I also loved my coworkers. I formed many lifelong friendships. I enjoyed making my homemade cakes for them, singing requests, and imparting my wisdom. I kept them laughing with my quick wit and comical observations.

Just as I made my grand entrance, you know my exit had to be worthy of a “Schatze” series finale. On May 15, 2023, just nine days after my mother went to heaven, y’all know I had to get out of here too! I love nothing more than some good flare and drama, so leaving like this is right up my alley!

Don’t worry about me, ‘cause I’m partying, praising, and kicking high with my parents, Shirley and Sam, grandparents, Ella & Massey Deyampert; and Evernell and Pastor Edward Curry Lee; parents-in-love, Emma and Ollie Pittman; brother, Freddie Walls, sister, Anita Brent; sister-in-love, Nelda Pittman; brothers-in-love, Ollie Pittman Jr, Robert Pittman and Charles Willis. My best friend, James Smith and so many other loved ones. Y’all know I’m the life of the party up here too!

Left to cherish my memory and carry on my legacy, my PIP, Carl Pittman, My Daughters, Elise (Shanti) Kendyll; Cherisse Pittman McKorkle, and Crystal (Quentarius Sr) Brookins. My grandsons, Quentarius, Jr (Moot Moot), Calvin (Nummy), Andrew (Schoom), Josiah, and Christian (Kapun). “Dwanma” and Nana will miss her babies. Sisters, Shirle (Pastor Larry) Perkins, Stephanie Willis and Sheila (Mack) Warren. Brother, Sam Watters. Sisters-in-love, Ann Nichols, Lynette (Bill) Bridgeman and Duana Pittman. Brothers-in-love, Raymond Pittman and Calvin (Marilyn) Pittman and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, school family, and friends. Pittman Posse….I’M OUT!

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