Sandra T. Pittman

Sandra Tanner Pittman, age 88, of Axson, GA passed peacefully at home on January 28, 2026, following an extended illness.

Sandra Elouise Tanner was born on July 23, 1937, to Leon “Zeke” Tanner and Colleen Clement Tanner at Kirkland, GA. She attended the Kirkland School and was among the last graduating class of Pearson High School in 1955, which became known as Atkinson County High School thereafter. After high school, she worked briefly for Singer Sewing Machine Company in Atlanta, GA.

On April 21, 1957, she married Joe Travis Pittman of Axson, GA, who was serving in the US Navy and stationed in Seattle, WA. In the following years, she raised her husband and three sons who were all genetically inclined to be strong-willed and hard-headed. She faced this daunting task with equal parts love, determination, and ferocity, which made her a self-taught expert in conflict resolution and crisis management, as well as an emergency first responder. She and Joe Travis shared 41 years together culminating with his death in 1998.

Sandra devoted her life to the service of family and others. She was a volunteer swimming instructor for the American Red Cross, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and she managed rosters and recorded game statistics for her sons’ Little League Baseball teams. She enjoyed a 27-year career with the State of Georgia working with developmentally disabled children and adults. She often kept disabled children in her home when parents needed a qualified caregiver who understood children with special needs.

Sandra is survived by her sons, Arthur K. “Kipp” Pittman (Shirley Rose) of Salem, AL, Henry K. “Kenn” Pittman (Lynn) of Dewey Rose, GA, and Lee K. Pittman (Lavonda) of Willacoochee, GA. She also survived by seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Travis Pittman, her parents, Leon and Colleen Tanner, and her siblings, Jesse E. Tanner, John W. Tanner and Ruby E. Swindle.

Her funeral was conducted at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Axson, GA on February 2, 2026, with Rev. Walter James and Rev. Roland Mitchell presiding. Active pall bearers were Lee K. Pittman, Leon Johnson, Locke Tanner, Cory Merritt, Calyuar Lott and Logan Harper. She was laid to rest next to her husband at Satilla Memorial Gardens in Coffee County.

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, GA was tasked with the arrangements.

Her sons remember her as their devoted mother and their fiercest advocate.