Nettie Pearl Brownridge Pilate

A funeral for Nettie will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 12:00 PM at M.J. Edwards F.H. Stage Road Chapel, 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38128. A committal service will occur Friday, January 5, 2024 at Mississippi VA Memorial Cemetery, 248 Honor Circle, Newton, Mississippi 39345.

A Life Well Lived......

Nettie Pearl Brownridge Pilate was born in Macon, Mississippi May 27, 1939. Nettie was the oldest daughter and the second oldest child of James and Arna Mae Brownridge. Her upbringing was based on strict principles. Along with her siblings, she was taught and adhered to strong religious values which remained prevalent throughout her life.

Nettie’s formal education began in a one-room schoolhouse located just a few steps away from her home. After finishing the eighth grade, Nettie attended Macon Colored High School and graduated in May 1957. Upon graduating from high school, she enrolled at Jackson State College (University) and received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in music in May 1961. She continued postgraduate studies and received her master’s and specialist degrees from Jackson State University.

Nettie spent forty years as an educator in the public-school sector. She taught thirty years in Mississippi and ten years in Tennessee before retiring to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

While at Jackson State College, Nettie met her husband, the late Marcel Pilate. Together, they had four children who are left to cherish her memory: Marcel A. (Barbara) Pilate, Columbus, MS; Milton Pilate, Jackson, MS; Dr. Michelle (Dale) Hamilton, Marietta, GA; and Marcenia Pilate, Cordova, TN. Nettie also leaves one brother, James D. (Ina) Brownridge, Binghamton, NY; three sisters, Sylvia Bradley, Kissimmee, FL; Faye (Alvin) Evans, Columbus, MS; Sharon Evans, Asheville, NC; eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Two of her siblings proceeded her in death, Jesse Paul Brownridge and Danella Catchings.

Nettie lived 84 beautiful years doing the things she loved; teaching, spending time with family, traveling, and yes, watching The Price is Right. She truly lived a prosperous and blessed life!