Laura Mae Woodson Pittman

Reverend LAURA MAE WOODSON PITTMAN, affectionately known as Laura Mae and lovingly known as Nana, was born on May 19, 1945. She was one of twelve children born to the late Jethro William Woodson Sr. and Rosa Lee (McCoy) Woodson.

Laura Mae graduated from Milton Area Senior High School in 1963, where she served as the class secretary. She participated in many clubs and sports teams including JV and Varsity basketball, softball and various other intramural sports. Upon graduation she attended Howard University.

Laura was a very caring person. This was reflected in the career she chose for herself as a nurse’s aide. Her work career began at Laurelton State School where she cared for mentally challenged children. She relocated to Harrisburg and was employed by the Harrisburg State Hospital. During her employment at the State Hospital, Laura was an active member of AFSCME serving as Union Steward and secretary. In 2003, she retired with 32 years of dedicated service. Laura Mae’s love and care of people was also reflective outside of the workplace. She opened her home to family and friends. She fostered 5 children and an elderly man named John, who became members of her family. Laura Mae’s heart was always open to anyone in need.

Reverend Laura Pittman was a woman of great faith. She understood that the church was more than brick and mortar. The church lived within her. Reverend Pittman was not afraid to share her love of God with whomever she encountered. She was active in the Missionary Society, and with Foreign Missions. She visited the sick and shut in and ministered to them through song, scripture and prayer. Reverend Pittman loved reading the Bible, preaching and teaching the Word. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent. Reverend Laura Pittman was ordained in 2016.

In 2012, Laura entered into the Gardens at Blue Ridge, formerly known as Golden Living. Continuing to live out her faith, in her new home, she was instrumental in

leading Bible Study, preaching church services as well as caring for the rights of her fellow residence and the employees. She was a member of Residence Council and was a graduate of P.E.E.R. (Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents). P.E.E.R. trains residents at long term care facilities to serve as advocates that enhance the quality of care and life for their peers by working with both facility staff and fellow residents.

Laura Mae was known for her cooking and baking. Christmas cookies, carrot cake, 7-Up cake, sock-it-to-me cake, lemon bars and pretzel salad were some of her specialties. She also enjoyed listening to music, doing crossword puzzles, watching the Olympics and creating memories with her family and friends. She especially cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Laura Mae was preceded in death by seven brothers, Howard, Michael, Jacob Jethro, Jr., Tommy, Clark, Raymond “Butch” a sister Bonnie Weatherly and

brother-in-law Sylvester “Web” Weatherly, Sr.

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 78 years of age, Reverend Laura Mae Woodson Pittman peacefully transitioned into eternal life at the Gardens at Blue Ridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She leaves to celebrate her life and precious memories with her two her daughters Nichole Smith (Sheraton), Tamaura “Denise” Woodson of Harrisburg and one son Duane Woodson Sr. of Wyncote, PA; her beloved grandchildren Trevor, Destiny, Taelyn, Isaiah, Devin, Treasure, Taryn, Duane Jr, Nina and Nadia; seven great grandchildren; brother Leslie Woodson of Dayton, OH, sisters Miriam Wright of Lancaster, PA and Judy Woodson of Lewisburg, PA; special Cousins Helen “Pudj” Williams of Milton, PA and Willis McCoy of Harrisburg PA, special friend Wilma Finley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lovingly submitted by the FAMILY