Melissa Matthews Pittman's Obituary
Melissa Matthews Pittman, age 48 of Gainesville, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016 at her home. Melissa was born September 14, 1967 in Wilson, North Carolina. She graduated from James B. Hunt High School in Wilson, NC and attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC on a voice scholarship. Her career began as a licensed cosmetologist prior to starting a family and becoming a stay-at-home mom until her children went to school. She then began her new career working in the golf shop, where Jay was a golf professional, specializing in golf day-to-day operations and retail.
After the diagnosis of brain cancer, a group of friends asked her how they could help and she responded, “help find a cure.” That conversation led to the formation of Golfers vs Brain Cancer in 2009 at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar, FL. The foundation has raised nearly $500,000 in seven years and has supported brain cancer research at facilities such as Moffitt Cancer Center and All-Children’s Pediatric Center in Tampa, Florida.
Melissa is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jay Pittman of Gainesville, FL (originally from Wilson, NC); daughter, Alexandra Pittman of Orlando, FL; son, James Pittman of Birmingham, AL; parents, Joseph W. (Joey) Matthews, Jr. and Carolyn Tant Matthews of Sims, NC; brother, Jeff Matthews of Bailey, NC and sisters, Lori Boyette and her husband Tommy of Bailey, NC and Stephanie Glover and her husband Chris of Bailey, NC.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her medical team at Moffitt Cancer Center, the crew at UF Shands and the awesome group at Haven Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, NC, with Chris Glover officiating.
A Celebration of Melissa’s Life will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., at East Lake Woodlands Country Club, 1055 East Lake Woodlands Parkway in Oldsmar. We invite you to help celebrate Melissa’s zest for life by wearing your favorite cruise or island attire.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to Haven Hospice, (havenhospice.org) 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606-3809.
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