Gloria Ann Pittman was called home to heaven in a peaceful sleep during the early morning hours of Thursday, May 11, 2023. Devotion to her family and her strong belief in God supported her for a lifetime of happiness, ups & downs and health struggles. Born January 2, 1944. Gloria was the third of nine children to the late Mildred and William L Vernon.
Gloria was educated in Norfolk Public Schools. She was a proud 1963 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She was a member of the choir, a color guard for the BTW Marching Band and loved to play tennis with her sister Carolyn. They were the unstoppable “Vernon Girls” that no one could beat. Her younger siblings Pam, Yvonne and Grayson also carried the family name in tennis. After high school, she attended Norfolk State College (University) and received her Associates Degree in Tailoring. Gloria was gifted at tailoring and often used her little brother, Trent, as her model. She made Trent the best dressed kid in school with his custom clothing. Her brother Larry was also high fashion and would drop all of his clothes by the house for her to be altered. She scored a job tailoring at the exclusive Toppers Men’s Shop at Southern Shopping Center in Norfolk. While there she crafted men’s wear for the Hampton Roads elite including NBA legend, Dr. J and his teammates on the Virginia Squires Basketball Team. At a young age Gloria was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Armstrong Street in Norfolk. She later became a member of Bank Street Church on Chesapeake Blvd. and later Calvary Revival Church. At a party with best friend Pat Johnson. she met her future husband, Cornelius Francis “Frank” Pittman. They later married and from this union, she birthed her son, Cornelius. Cornelius “Mann” was her heart, but she was a mother to many. She often fed all Mann’s friends in the St. Andrews neighborhood and anyone who she cared about. She became a housewife a babysitter and later worked for Norfolk Public Schools as a cafeteria worker and crossing guard. She cared for her friends and family deeply. For years, she often watched her nieces and nephews like they were her own kids. Her niece Tiffany and nephew Malcolm were her babies. She was known for her corn pudding and her fried cabbage at all the family functions. She always talked about her love of fried crabs and seafood. She loved shopping with her sisters every Saturday. She was a little adventurous and loved going on trips with her friends and family. She traveled from Norfolk to North Carolina, Maryland, Detroit, New Jersey, Florida, and even Las Vegas. She loved catching the bus with her friend Tanza to go on casino trips.
Gloria is predeceased by her parents, William L. and Mildred A. Vernon, husband, Cornelius Francis “Frank” Pittman, brothers, William L. Vernon Jr. and Larry Vernon, in-laws, Charles H. and Grace H. Pittman and brother-in law, Charles H. Pittman, Jr.
Gloria leaves to cherish her memory her only son, Cornelius D. Pittman (Marcia) of Norfolk, VA; sisters, Rosalyn “Dottie” Bell (Gene) of Virginia Beach, VA; Carolyn Vernon of Norfolk, VA; Delores “Yvonne” Banks (Willie) of Knoxville, TN; Pamela Green (Ronald) of Norfolk, VA; brothers, Grayson Vernon (Sondra) of Portsmouth, VA; Trent Vernon (Sharon) of Calverton, MD, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We celebrate Gloria’s home going with humility and love.
Rest in peace and ride into heaven in your red car!
Condolences(10)-
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Bernice (Franklin) Langley says
May 15, 2023 at 11:54 pmTo the Pittman ( and Vernon) Family,
We offer you our heartfelt condolences on the Homegoing of our
dear friend and neighbor, “Gloria”. Many precious memories will continue to live on in our hearts .
.May God comfort you, now and in the days to come.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Frankin/Logan Family from Cecelia Street
The Daniels Family, Rocky Mount and Battleboro NC says
May 16, 2023 at 10:36 pmSo sad to hear of the passing of your loved one Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times but she is with you and watching over you and she is at peace.
Marion A. Grays says
May 19, 2023 at 7:37 amWith heartfelt condolences, my family and I mourn the passing of Gloria – a wonderful woman.
I’ve known Gloria as a dear friend and coworker over the years. I truly have been blessed with having her in my life, although I would have liked to see the time spent together longer.
To Gloria’s family, from mine, know you have our deepest sympathies and prayers for your loss.
Mrs. Marion A Grays and family
Shirley Lewis says
May 17, 2023 at 9:30 amTo the Vernon family from Shirley Lewis..Sending my deepest condolences to my beloved neighborhood family. I was very saddened to hear of Gloria’s passing. Please know you all are on my heart and in my thoughts and prayers. Praying God will comfort each and every one of you and give you peace and comfort as you celebrate Gloria’s life.
With much love,
The Lewises (Shirley, Evelyn, Arnold)
Juanita Holley says
May 23, 2023 at 9:03 pmI just found out about the lost of our dearest family friend Gloria. I have known her most of my life. She was a beautiful person. I want to express my condolences to the Vernon and Pittman family. May you all be comforted by the words of 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Juanita Baynes Holley, Orange Park, FL.
Ramona white says
May 17, 2023 at 4:49 pmMay God bless and keep your family safe and blessed at this difficult time.May you find comfort in your time of need. God is with you.
Betty Speller Clark says
May 22, 2023 at 3:28 pmSending prayers, love and my sympathy to “Mann” and one of the most loved family’s from the old neighborhood (The Vernon’s). I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayer is that God continue to bring all of you comfort. Gloria is going to be alright she is now released of all pain and in the Arm’s of God!! Plus can’t you see her with that smile with all the family in heaven ❤️🙏❤️🙏 I love and praying for all of you
Juanita Holley says
May 23, 2023 at 9:08 pmI just found out about the lost of our dearest family friend Gloria. I have known her most of my life. She was a beautiful person. I want to express my condolences to the Vernon and Pittman family. May you all be comforted by the words of 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Juanita Baynes Holley, Orange Park, FL.
JOYCE SKINNERDAWSON says
May 18, 2023 at 10:39 amMy deepest condolences to the family. May you find peace in your time of need. Much love
Barbara Jean Harris says
May 24, 2023 at 7:45 amGloria’s quiet and mild spirit will always be remembered. I give my condolences to the family. When Jesus words are fulfilled we will experience a grand reunion. Please find comfort in John 5:28-29
Love: friend Barbara “Jeannie” Harris