Mary Lou was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 7, 1936 to the late Foster Young and Lena Mae Lyles. She attended Lincoln Center, West Junior High and graduated from J.W Sexton High School. Mary Lou retired from Michigan National Bank and Community Nursery. In1953, Mary Lou united in Holy Matrimony to Willie Arthur Pittman Sr. This union was blessed with five children. She received Christ at an early age and held fast to her faith. She served on the Usher Board and was a very faithful member at New Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She attended faithfully until she was called to be with The Lord. As God would have it, even through failing health, she was able to attend New Mount Calvary's 50th Anniversary service. Mary Lou has been a community activist for a lifetime. She always enjoyed working behind the scenes with local politicians. She worked with City Council members, mayors and judges. Her career started back in 1960, when Joel Ferguson ran for City Council. One of her greatest accomplishments and goals was to get black residents to register and to vote. Mary Lou was preceded in death by: her husband, Willie Arthur Pittman Sr.; daughter, Sherill Pittman; son, Willie Pittman, Jr.; brother, Bobby Young; parents; and grandparents. On September 16th, Mary Lou departed this earthly life with her family by her side. She leaves to remember all her love and encouragement: two daughters, Vanessa (Alvin) Bridges of Pontiac, Michigan, Adova (Leroy) Bridges of Lansing, Michigan; son, Michael Pittman of Lansing; two sisters, Peaches (James) McClure and Penny Brewer, both of Lansing, 11 grand children; 18 great-grand children; adopted brother, Joel Ferguson; adopted daughter, Diane Flourry; adopted sons, Reverend Michael Murphy and Judge Hugh Clarke; special friends, Sue Williams and Ethel Pullum; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mrs.Pittman will lie in repose Tuesday, September 23, 3-7pm at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 24, 11:30am at the New Mount Calvary Baptist Church,3800 West Miller Road, Lansing, MI 48911. The family will receive visitors 30 minutes before services begin. Memories and condolences can be shared at rileyfuneralhome.com.