Mildred Pitman

Mildred Parkel Pitman, age 100, of Greensboro, died January 24, 2022 at Colonial Haven Care and Rehabilitation Center. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Wade McCrory officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing.

Mrs. Pitman was preceded in death by her parents, Manley and Francis Tidwell, her first husband, Charles Parkel; her stepsons, Charles Parkel, Jr. and Jim Parkel; and her twelve brothers and sisters; and her second husband, Winston Pitman.

Survivors include her daughters, Yvonne Parkel of Auburndale, Florida and Joanie Jackson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; numerous grandchildren, plus numerous nieces, nephews and close friends, Sharon and John Jay.

Mrs. Pitman, a lifelong Alabamian, was born on October 25, 1921 on a self-sustaining farm in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Oneonta in North Alabama. She was the youngest of thirteen children. At a young age, she worked hard tending the house, working in the garden, and canning the produce all the while taking care of an invalid mother. At age 17, her brother brought home a friend of his from Hueytown, Charles Parkel. They were married shortly thereafter. They lived in Hueytown until the mid-1950’s.

Being born, raised, and living through the depression, they wanted to own some land. So, they saved up and paid cash for some land in Sawyerville and operated a dairy farm for several years. While living in Sawyerville, Mildred was employed at the Eutaw Post Office as a clerk. She retired from the USPS. She loved her job and often volunteered her free time at the local nursing home playing bingo with residents.

Ms. Mildred raised two daughters, Joan and Yvonne and helped raise two stepsons, Charles, Jr. and Jim Parkel. She has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was an excellent seamstress throughout her life and loved creating many beautiful and stylish garments for her family. Ms. Mildred also created quilts and pillows. She won many awards throughout her life for her sewing skills and expertise. She was very talented and known for French hand sewn garments, especially christening gowns.

Ms. Mildred was a tireless chauffeur for her daughters’ various afterschool activities.

She was an active member of the Greensboro Baptist Church and Sawyerville Homemakers Club for many years. She was a member of the Lee Bible Class at First United Methodist Church while living in Tuscaloosa.

Ms. Mildred was married to Charles Parkel until his death in 1992. In 1995, she married Winston Pitman and they moved to Tuscaloosa. Several years later, she moved to Colonial Haven where she continued to love to play bingo. Everyone enjoyed her sweet smile.

From a young age, she had a hard and challenging life, but made the most of it. She used her talents to improve her and her families’ lives. She was a loyal friend to many and enjoyed having a good time. It can definitely be said “you’ve come a long way baby.” She was loved by many who knew her. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oakwood Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 68, Greensboro, AL 36744.