Mrs. Mildred Woods "Madea" Pirtle

July 22, 1921 - July 24, 2016

Mrs. Mildred Woods “Madea” Pirtle was born on July 22, 1921 in Holly Spring, MS. to the late Ruben Wright and Eliza Taylor. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age after moving to Hardeman County. She united with the Antioch M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Charlie Murphy. She later united in marriage to the late Mr. Raymond Pirtle, Sr., to this union 12 children were born. After moving to Madison County, she united with New St. Luke M.B. Church under the late Rev. Charlie Murphy. After his passing in 1982, she was under the leadership of Rev. Dennis E. Blalock, whom she loved like a son. She attended public school in Hardeman County. She was employed at Bemis Cotton/TN Textile where she retired. While at New St. Luke, she served as Secretary of the Missionary Society, was an active member of the Motherboard as well as President. She is the last of the “Riders” of our Pastor. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons; Raymond (Tommy) Pirtle, James Ray Pirtle, and Theodore (Pop) Pirtle, two grandsons, two great-great grandsons, three sisters; Mandy E. Beasley, Margret Truelove, and Lilla M. Woods, a special sister in law, Jessie M. Perry and three brothers; James W. Woods, Edward L. Woods, and Eddie Jenkins. She leaves to cherish her memory; six daughters; Alice M. Arnold, Carrie (Robert) Smith, Mildred Johnson, Helen Reid, Joyce Harper and Vernell Pirtle all of Jackson, TN; three sons; Pirtle, Eugene Pirtle both of Jackson, TN and John (Danita) Pirtle of Phoenix, AZ; one sister; Lucinda White of Pinson, TN; two daughter in laws: Arma D. Pirtle and Elizabeth A. Pirtle, 30 grandchildren, 100 great grandchildren, 83 great-great grandchildren, two personally adopted daughters; Darlene Kelly and Linda Brown, two special nieces; Tabitha Brice and Wendy Campbell, one personally adopted son; Rev. Dennis E. Blalock & Family, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A special friend, Evelyn Pirtle.