Obituary

Carol Jean Pittman Gill

July 11, 1936 - January 4, 2026

Carol Jean Pittman Gill, age 89 and of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born on July 11, 1936 in Kentwood, Louisiana to the late Rufus A. Pittman and Doris Carruth Pittman.

Carol Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to her beloved husband, Fernie Ray Gill, for 71 years and together they built a family rooted in love and faith.

She is survived by her husband, Fernie Ray Gill; her children, Sonya McCoy (Joey), Steve Gill (Kathy), and Keith Gill (Lisa); nine grandchildren, Amy Sweat (Rodney), Robyn Smith (Ben), Brooke Roncancio (Edgar), Kacie Engemann (Eric), Emmy Schroeter (David), Brandi Allred (Brent), Callie Tiffany (David), Auti Kirk (Nate), and Chase Gill; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Creel and Barbara Gill, and nephew, Brandon Pittman.

In addition to her parents, Carol Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Russell Pittman, and her nephew, Rusty Pittman.

Carol Jean spent her career as a schoolteacher. She obtained her master’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She touched many lives through her work and care for her students. Carol Jean was also a talented seamstress, and her legacy will live on through the dresses she made for her granddaughters.

Carol Jean was a devoted member of Spring Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served as the church librarian. Her faith was evidenced by her service and kindness to others. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that she is at peace in God’s presence.

Carol Jean will be remembered for her dedication to her family and her church, her years of service as an educator, and the quiet strength and kindness she showed to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many generations she loved and nurtured. 

Pallbearers will be Ben Smith, Rodney Sweat, Edgar Roncancio, Eric Engemann, David Schroeder, and Brandon Pittman. Honorary Pallbearers are Bubba and Tae.  

Visitation from 9:00AM until Funeral services at 11:00AM at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith, Bro. Matt Gazaway, and Bro. Eric Latham. Interment to follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. 

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.