Christine Gillespie Pittman

Obituary For Christine Gillespie Pittman

Christine Gillespie Pittman, 72, of Richmond, affectionately known as Chris, departed this life surrounded by family and loved ones on March 22, 2023. She was the fourth child out of seven born to the union of the late Thomas and Mable Davis Gillespie in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She attended the E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina and went on to pursue her master’s in Biblical studies at Regency Christian college. Chris was employed at Retreat hospital for many years as a Dietary Supervisor. She then spread her wings as an entrepreneur with her own sandwich company and in her later years became a cook at Oak Grove Child Care Center. She was introduced to the Lord at an early age. During her childhood, she attended Friendship Baptist Church in Fayetteville and later became a member of Murphy’s Chapel Holy Bible Church of God, under the pastorate of Bishop P. J. Rouse and quickly became active in ministry. Christine loved to sing in the choir. She was an active member of the Sunday School, YPWW and participated in the quarterly unions, general assemblies, tent revivals, local and community outreach activities and actively cared for the local senior citizens. In 1975, Christine met and married William Allen Pittman of Lumberton, North Carolina and God blessed this union with three sons. She felt the tug from God to rededicate her life to Christ in 1976, she was both influential and instrumental in relocating the family to Richmond and shortly thereafter joined Highway Christian Church of Christ, later renamed Redeemed Assembly of Jesus Christ, (RAJCA) under the direction of Bishop James F. and Lady Sylvia H. Harris. After rededicating her life to Christ, Chris became an influential evangelist and won many souls to Christ. Her evangelism started a domino effect in ministry causing a growth spurt at Redeemed Assembly. She was not only a pioneer, but an extreme giver. She served on the Pastor’s Aide, the missionary board, the senior ministry, the pastor’s choir and as a Sunday School teacher. She was nothing short of extraordinary and a true icon. Regardless of who you were she gave love, encouragement and support and never gave up on people. She was noted in the community for winning the lost but was also a true matriarch in her family raising generations to serve the Lord. Chris was also noted as an exalter, woman of prayer, faith and a consistent praiser. Even after being diagnosed with renal failure, regardless of her condition, she found a way to give God praise whether in a dance or a walk of victory. No task was too big or too small for Chris. She made the best of the worst situations. She always offered the best of herself to those in need and to the work of God. She had a special interest in helping young ladies raise loving children. As a friend, Chris was also a supporter. You could count on her for prayer and words of encouragement that gave wind to your faith. She loved to laugh and enjoyed the company of good people. With her longtime friends Carolyn Faircloth, Bishop James and Lady Sylvia Harris, she had the opportunity to travel the world. In addition to her parents preceding her in death, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William Allen Pittman; brother, Thomas E. Gillespie, Jr. and sister-in-law, Dorothea (Poteat) Gillespie. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Antonio Pittman (Lavetta) of Richmond, Ronald Pittman (Marquita) of Manassas and William Pittman, Jr. of Richmond; four grandchildren, BreAna Wilson (AJ), William Pittman III, Ashley Knight and Maiya Pittman; two sisters, Annie R. Hodges of DeSoto, Texas and Mae L. Roberts of Richmond; three brothers, Robert L. Gillespie of Richmond, Alfred L. Gillespie (Sylvia) of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Clevane L. Gillespie (Bettie) of Chesterfield; a host of nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Carolyn Gillespie of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; other relatives and her beloved and devoted friends, Bishop James and Lady Sylvia Harris, Carolyn Faircloth and her Redeemed Assembly church family. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2023 followed by the family receive friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Bishop James F. Harris, eulogist. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com. We will miss her example, her praise, her fight, her words of wisdom and encouragement and lastly her victory walk that inspired so many. We love you Mom/Chris/Friend! video: https://vimeo.com/817910513