Wanda Moore Pittman, 78, of Fairmont, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern.

Born in Lumberton to Herman and Billie Moore, Wanda carried her small-town roots with pride and grace throughout her life. But more than where she was born, it was how she lived that defined her.

If you ever met Wanda, you never forgot her.

Her smile could light up a room - and your heart - in the same instant. It wasn't just a polite smile. It was magnetic. It was joy. It was warmth. It made you feel like you mattered.

Anywhere she went - shopping, on vacation, at church, running errands - strangers didn't stay strangers for long. Within minutes they would be laughing, smiling, and somehow, she would know their life story. She had a rare gift: the ability to make anyone feel like family. And she loved people deeply. It was an incredible talent.

For 14 years, Wanda was the friendly face greeting members at UNC Health Southeastern Fitness Center in Lumberton. She opened the doors at 5:00 a.m., which meant she was up at 3:00 a.m. -  and somehow still radiant. No matter the hour, she showed up with her biggest smile and her brightest energy. For many, she was the first light of their day.

Her smile was so unforgettable that UNC Health Southeastern selected her photo for a billboard along I-95 - allowing thousands of travelers to see that radiant smile as they passed through. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose joy was meant to be shared.

But the role she cherished most was being a mother.

She took immense pride in raising her daughter, Desirée. Wanda was the ultimate chauffeur to gymnastics practices and competitions -  a commitment that opened doors, built lifelong friendships, and shaped the course of her daughter's life. She never missed a chance to say, "You can do anything you want." And she meant it. Her belief was unwavering, and it became a foundation of strength.

Wanda also played a quiet but pivotal role in her daughter's love story. While working alongside Ash Walker at UNC Health Southeastern Fitness Center, she saw something special in him long before anyone else said it out loud. Behind the scenes, she gently nudged her daughter to give him a chance - to look a little closer at his character. As the saying goes, mother knows best. And she absolutely nailed it. Her daughter is forever grateful for those loving nudges that led to a beautiful marriage.

Wanda loved cleaning - not casually, but excellently. She even cleaned her daughter's dental office, proudly polishing the foot pedals until you could see your reflection. She lived by a simple standard: "If you can't do a good job, don't do it at all." It wasn't criticism. It was motivation. It was love expressed through high standards and belief in doing your best.

She loved shopping, time with family, and especially spoiling her granddog Porter and her grandcats with affection and treats. If there was love to give, she gave it generously.

Her greeting was unforgettable: "Hey girl!" delivered with a wide smile and genuine excitement, as if she hadn't seen you in years - even if it had only been a day. That enthusiasm was real. That joy was contagious.

Wanda is survived by her devoted husband, Carey Pittman; her daughter, Dr. Desirée Walker, and son-in-law Dr. Ash Walker; her sister, Deborah Cigary; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who were touched by her warmth.

Wanda and Carey shared 51 beautiful years of marriage. She often joked that they would have the very best marriage as long as he simply did what she told him to do -  and Carey happily lived by that rule – most times. Their love was steady, devoted, and filled with laughter.

More than anything, Wanda will be remembered for her smile, her joy, and her extraordinary ability to make every person feel special. She lived brightly. She loved deeply. And she left a mark that will not fade.

Her family takes comfort in knowing her spirit is whole, radiant, and soaring -  just as she lived.

Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, March 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. After the service, family and friends are invited to gather at her home in Fairmont to continue celebrating her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

If you met her, you remember her. And if she loved you, you knew it.