Julia Swann Pittman, 81, of Morganton, NC passed away on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024. She was born on March 15, 1943 in Marion, NC to Norman “Lee” Swann and Bessie Knight Swann and was raised in her beloved, thriving little town of Spruce Pine, NC. Julia was a retired teacher with over 50 years in the classroom and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Morganton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda Phelps; brother, Marion Swann.
She is survived by her sister, Bettie Gunter; her sons, Chris Pittman and Tim Pittman (Angie); grandchildren, Michaela Yost (Alex), Sophia Pittman, Lillie Miller (Logan) and Troy Martin; great-grandchildren, Xander and Danielle Ruth.
As a child she loved reading books, taking the nearby Toe River walking bridge with her family to the Carolina Theater on Lower Street, and watching classic Hollywood movies in the Carolina Theater. She would eagerly come home to dance up and down the front steps of the house on Tappan Street, reenacting the scenes she had just seen on the screen. She loved playing football with her older brother and her cousins Jimmy and Jerry Young. Julia cherished her family, teachers, and classmates.
At a young age, creative teachers recognized her and some of her classmates’ talents and took time to teach them how to dance, sing, and perform. By the time she was in high school, Julia would go on to entertain at school functions, in talent contests, at various civic events, and on the radio, often singing with her good friends and cousins Kathy and Beth Bartlett. She loved involving her classmates and putting together skits that would fill the room with laughter. At Harris High, she was drum major and started on a basketball team that won a conference championship. She looked forward to the Class of 1961 reunions and reminiscing about the wonderful and funny times they all had growing up together in Spruce Pine.
She loved going to church, particularly growing up in Spruce Pine Methodist and participating in Methodist Youth Fellowship. She remembers their excursions on the Blue Ridge Parkway and singing old hymns together and hearing it echo through the hills. She sang for many years in the FUMC Choir and also in the Morganton Combined Choir. She would also help direct several plays in the FUMC fellowship hall.
Julia graduated Magna Cum Laude at Western Carolina College, majoring in English and French. Not only did she dedicate herself in the classroom, but she quickly connected with other teachers who shared her love of music, dance, and theater. Those fellow directors became some of her closest friends. While she would occasionally perform, she truly enjoyed directing and choreographing people of all ages. Earlier in her career, she was able to blend being a caring mother with being a dedicated teacher, club sponsor, and show choreographer or director. She would often bring her two sons to rehearsals and performances, and they learned what it takes to put together a show. Both sons grew up to act, sing, and direct shows themselves, sharing the love of and respect for theater with others. Aside from watching movies, Julia, Chris, and Tim most enjoyed watching basketball and football games together.
She believed deeply in enriching students’ lives by helping high school students connect with literature. She would always tell interesting background information about the authors and give the history behind the story. She wanted students to have the life skill of expressing themselves on the written page and speaking in front of people. Grading papers, particularly writing, was a labor of love. She carefully read each paper, looking for ways to encourage each student while suggesting ways to clarify the student-writer’s intended meaning. She believed in instilling a sense of responsibility, being fair, and providing opportunities for improving one’s grade if the struggling student was showing effort to learn. She always valued opportunities to teach, listen, learn, laugh, or rejoice in being with good people.
A funeral service will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be at 2 pm on Saturday at Spruce Pine Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Holly McKim officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Chris and Tim, Your mother was a truly wonderful person to me and countless others. She had an innate sense of how to edify people. I quietly smile when I recall my earliest encounters with Ms. Pittman at Freedom High School. As she later put it, “I needed some male bodies who know how to sing” and can probably be taught to “look like they know how to dance.” I can’t remember how many nights she brought both of you, me and Wayne home in the little blue Datsun after Bye Bye Birdie practice ended about 9 pm. The practices were long and tiring, but the ride home was always full of laughter and good-natured banter. Later on, your mother would direct a little comedy called “Charlie’s Aunt.” It was another time-intensive event with its ups and down. However, I remember it as some of the best times of my life because your mother had adopted me as her red-headed “son” that she routinely called “John Dula”. Your mother’s passing makes me deeply sad for her and both of you. However, I get through my grief by remembering all the good times we shared during and after high school. I hope these memories bring you comfort as you deal with your mother’s passing. Sincerely, Johnny Dula
How I loved this woman! I first met Julia one summer at the Appalachian Writing Project at App State. She was amazing with her commitment to teaching and very entertaining with her many stories. We didn't connect again until after she retired and substituted in my French classes at Freedom High School. She was the best! While I won't be able to attend the services today, I do hope that there are a plethora of memories and stories to share with family and friends.
oday, I learned of the passing of one of my cherished high school teachers from Freedom High School, who left us on Christmas Day. I extend my prayers for comfort to her sons and grandchildren during this challenging period. Her profound passion for Literature, Writing, Drama, and Theater greatly influenced numerous students. She not only ignited my own passion for Literature and Theater but also introduced me to the joys of Saturday Night Live. I fondly recall the moments in class when she would embody the character Roseanne Roseannadanna, exclaiming, "It's always something." Her ability to make learning enjoyable is a gift I hold dear, and I strive to incorporate that same spirit into my own teaching. Thank you, Miss Julia Swann Pittman, for the invaluable gifts you imparted to your students. You will be forever missed, yet never forgotten.
Mrs. Pittman, as well called her, was a beautiful, spirited, talented and wonderful teacher and person. She gave herself to her students. She was a large part of Drexel High School. Her presence on earth will be missed. Heaven gained another angel!
Sincere condolences from Margaret and me to the family of a great lady. We started the first grade together, graduated Harris High in 1961, and remained friends for all these years. Julia was one of the most talented people I ever knew, and was so very supportive of me and my writing. She encouraged me greatly, and as she was known to do, offered constructive criticism at times. The Harris High Class of 1961 has suffered a tremendous loss. May God bless and be with you all. Ed. and Margaret Biddix
Julia was a wonderful teacher & lady. I used to grade papers for English dept at Freedom I had a love for reading but loved her extras about what we were reading in class. I went to gfreedom with Tim. She will be missed 🙏🏽🙌🏼
