Emily Lee Wittman, 1931-2017

Mrs. Wittman was an artist who over the years captured local history on canvas. In 1988 and in 1993 she collaborated with one of the authors of this site in the production of signed and numbered limited edition prints portraying historic sites in Allegany County and Garrett County, respectively. One of these, from Garrett County, is also depicted. The following is an excerpt from an obituary which appeared in the May 1, 2017 edition of the Cumberland Times-News:

"Emily Lee Wheeler Wittman, 85, formerly of Cumberland, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 28, 2017, at Brookdale Crown Point in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born on Nov. 23, 1931, in Fort White, Fla., she was the much loved only child of Joseph and Addie Belle (Layfield) Wheeler.
Emily attended Orlando Junior College and Frostburg State College where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Fine Arts. She was a gifted painter, having begun painting at age 10. Emily won many awards for her work and was known locally as the Washington Street artist. She loved the camaraderie of fellow artists, hosting bi-weekly painting groups for many years.

She was the beloved wife of Raymond Wittman, who preceded her in death. Emily and Ray made their home in Natchez, Miss., Akron, Ohio, and finally in Cumberland where they resided for 50 years. The couple enjoyed many activities together particularly gardening, square dancing, genealogy and world travel. Their home was featured twice on the Cumberland Century Club's Christmas Caravan, as well as the Garden Club tour.

Emily was an active member of the LaVale United Methodist Church since 1966, serving in a variety of capacities. She held leadership positions in the Western Maryland Watercolor Society, the Cumberland Music and Arts Club, the Allegany Arts Council, the Cumberland Garden Club and Girl Scouts. She was also a member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Wittman is survived by her son, Kenneth Wittman, Winter Park, Fla.; daughter, Nora Wittman and son-in-law, Murry Packer, Jacksonville; daughter, Marcy Heath, Parsberg, Germany; grandson, Lukas Heath, Sarasota, Fla.; and granddaughter, Amelia Heath, Radford, Va.

Her remains will be interred at Tustenuggee Methodist Church in Ft. White.
Memorials in Emily's memory may be made to LaVale United Methodist Church or Tustenuggee Methodist Church. "