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Sister Lelia Mae Pittman was born Oct. 7, 1930, in Tylertown, Miss., to the late Mary and Elec Pittman. She was the 14th of 15 children. Sister Pittman passed from this life on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington.

Lelia accepted Christ at a young age at the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Paul Exkano. She was a faithful member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church for many years.

Her deepest admirations were teaching the Word, being a Prayer Warrior and praying for family and friends.

She was employed with the American Red Cross for over 30 years. She really enjoyed helping others during her career.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernell Fortenberry; her parents, Mary and Elec Pittman; daughters, Donna Marie Fortenberry and Jean Catherine Gray; three sisters; 10 brothers; and grandsons, Michael Robinson Jr. and Robert Earl Gatlin.

Leaving behind to help in celebrating her legacy, life and memory are sons, Randy Fortenberry and Donnie Pittman of Bogalusa; three daughters, Emma Jean Gatlin, Elizabeth Fortenberry and Mary Ann (Michael) Robinson of Bogalusa; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Drive-through visitation will be held at Crain and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home with Pastor Darrell Self officiating, and Dr. Raymond E. Mims, pastor, eulogist. Interment will be at Bogalusa Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.