"Who plucked that flower," cried the gardener as he walked through the garden

His fellow servant answered "The Master" and the gardener held his peace.

Mrs. Ersie Dee Owens Pittman was born August 12, 1928 to Eli and Annie Marie Owens in Walthall County, Mississippi, but in the early morning hours of October 7, 2022 the Angel of death came and whisked the spirit of Ersie away to a land free of pain and sorrow at age 94.

Early in life Ersie loss her mother but found comfort, security and love in her uncle and aunt, Herman and Ella Mae Owens, who encouraged her to join Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Mississippi while very young. As education was limited for Blacks when Ersie was young she moved to Louisiana after graduating from eighth grade to expand her learning and she completed a high school education at Wesley Ray High School in Angie, La. Her quest for knowledge and hatred of the cotton fields, led her attend and graduate from Grambling State College, (now Grambling University), in

1953. Her ongoing search for knowledge pushed her to obtain a Master's degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. and Plus 30additional educational credits from Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond, La.

While in Angie she met and married Zebedee Pittman. To this union four children were born. Ersie joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. B. B.

Moses. She worked in many departments until she was unable to complete the physical tasks assigned her.

Ersie was an educator extraordinaire expanding the minds, hearts and imaginations of countless young people, first in Washington Parish and then for 29 years in the Bogalusa School system. She challenged her students to learn new things, think outside-the-box and strive to become productive citizens of society. Ersie returned to teaching after retirement until health issues forced her to permanently leave her beloved profession.

Even now years later, former students can be heard saying, "Best 2nd, 3rd 4th, grade teacher ever."

Ersie was proceeded in death by her husband of 55 years, Zebedee Pittman. Brothers:

L.C. Cullen, Clarence Owens, and Floyd Owens. Sisters: Nevada Powe and Juanita Brookshire. She is survived by one sister Margaret Royal and one brother James T Owens. Daughters Phalia (Jesse) Kendle, Asbury Park, NJ, JoAnn (Willie) Bridges, Bogalusa, La, Wanda (Winton) Shorter and Linda Terry, both of Baton Rouge, La.

Grandchildren: Jo Wandalyn (John) Johnson, J. Joshua and Jairus (Jackie) Kendle, NJ, Sheddrick (Dedra) Griffin and Shannon Bridges, Baton Rouge, La. Chonda Bridges, Dallas Texas and Rhonda (Charles) Wallace, Bogalusa,La. One adopted daughter, Brenda (Jimmy) Porter, New Orleans, La, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.