Obituary of Vivian Pittman

Rone Funeral Service 856-691-4222 Vivian (Graves) Pittman was born on July 2, 1935 to the late Emmett and Frances Graves in Pitman, NJ. Vivian completed her story on September 12, 2023, peacefully in her home in Vineland, New Jersey. Vivian was raised with her four siblings in Glassboro, NJ. During that time she was a notable student of both Elk and Glassboro Public School Systems. Vivian spent most of her free time hanging out with, skating or working in the nearby fields with her sister Barbara Dow and Shirley Dickerson so they could have money to keep up with the latest fashion trends. She graduated from Glassboro High School in 1955, in a class of 290 students. Vivian attended the Camden County Vocational School. She successfully completed the Practical Nursing Program on February 2, 1959. Vivian earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the New Jersey Board of Nursing on May 27, 1960. Vivian worked in various facets of nursing including traveling private duty, live-in, with the developmentally disabled at the State School in Vineland, NJ, the psychiatric sector at Ancora State Hospital, Newcomb Hospital and Cooper Hospital. On Saturday, April 12, 1958, Vivian met Fred Pittman. Their courtship was brief as Fred proposed to Vivian that following Tuesday and two weeks later on April 28, 1958, Fred Pittman of Rocky Mount, NC made Vivian Graves his wife. During their union of 59 years they raised twelve children together. Vivian was a true go-getter and a giver. This could be seen from her working along side Fred on their farm and in family run ventures including a successful chicken farm in Estelle Manor, The Savior's Hand Bakery, a community store in Mizpah, Mizpah Community Mennonite Church First Lady, childcare center, food pantry, Pittman's Pit BBQ in Franklinville and North Carolina, Pittman's Peanuts, Food Cart and a real estate business. Of all of her accomplishments, Vivian's most notable pride and joy was found in the depth of each relationship she fostered with every one of her children. Her calm and loving demeanor attracted many whom she willingly mothered and offered a wealth of wisdom, guidance and love. As a mother she always took the time to listen to her children and offer up to them the Word and some sound advice. Vivian took the time to enjoy her grandchildren and made all children, related or not, to feel special in her presence. Vivian Pittman often found herself in a mother/mentor role to children and adults alike. Vivian will be missed by all whom have ever crossed paths with her. Vivian Pittman is predeceased by her sons, Howard Pittman and Bertram Churchill; sisters, Barbara Dow and Annette Graves and her brothers Emmett Graves and Ernest Graves. She leaves to mourn her children, Fred Pittman, Jr., Sharon Coursey, Centenna Caldwell, Jeanette Winters, Marsha Mack, LaTasha Pittman, Theo Graves, Larry Graves, Tanya Harper and Shontae Johnson. Vivian will also leave to mourn 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; church family; beloved friends and family at Active Day in Vineland, NJ and many people whom she mothered and befriended along the way. A funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 1pm to 3pm followed by a funeral service at 3pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Burial will be private in Rose Hill Cemetery, Newfield. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com