BIRDIA PULLINS

Mrs. Birdia Mae Redden Pullins was born on October 26, 1935, in the proud rural community of Promise Land, Tennessee. She was born to Charles Henry Redden and Mamie White Redden.  Birdia attended the Promise Land School and Hampton High School in Dickson, Tennessee. 

Birdia was a woman with a presence. Birdia enjoyed sharing the story of how she met Gene Raymond Pullins. She would walk past Gene's house and ignore him, but later, she grew fond of him!  (Birdia walked past the house a lot!)  Birdia and Gene were joined in Holy Matrimony on March 11, 1961. She was a dutiful wife of fifty-four (54) years to Gene, and a doting mother of three boys born from this union: Dennis Gene, Derek Gerome and Charles Wardell. 

Birdia began working at St. Vincent's Hospital in 1967. She started her career as a Transporter in the X-ray Department and then took on the additional responsibilities of developing film for the X-ray Department.  In 1970, Birdia was selected as a St. Vincent's Ambassador.  This distinction was given to associates that displayed compassion and empathy to patients and co-workers that went above expectations.  Birdia’s career spanned over eighteen (18) years and she retired from St. Vincent's Hospital in 1985.  Although retired, Birdia still had a big heart to share, and she provided day care for infants. Birdia had an affinity for infants that were born prematurely, and she adored being surrounded by children and nurturing them.  Birdia provided unmatched loving care to the infants, becoming a member of their extended families and in turn, they became members of hers. 

Birdia professed her love for Christ at an early age in Promise Land, Tennessee. She maintained a long-term affiliation with Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She united with Messiah in the Fall of 1968 and became an active member of many auxiliaries.  Birdia served on the Usher Board, Sarah’s Circle, and the Culinary Ministry.  She provided leadership to the Deaconess Board by serving as its chair. Birdia enjoyed mentoring and ministering to young women about the victories of being proud Christian women. On the First Sunday in June 1997, Birdia earned the honor of being named a Mother of the Church, which added to her joy as a woman of God. 

Birdia was an industrious woman who enjoyed cooking.  She perfected her cooking skills while working at the LaRue Supper Club and the Warren Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.  Birdia was often asked to cook and bake favored dishes for family reunions, church events, and dishes by popular demand for family and friends. Turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole and her coveted chess pies topped an exhaustive list of recipe requests. 

After having a time of independent living, Birdia made the decision to join her son Derek Gerome in Arlington, Texas, relocating there in April 2019.  She established residency at Bethesda Senior Living Community.  Again, Birdia proved to be a woman with a presence and a big heart by the residents and staff.  With her vibrant personality, Birdia made friends easily!  She enjoyed the activities that were offered, particularly the Art Classes, which she excelled in and exposed an unknown talent. She never missed a game of Bingo. Down through the years, Birdia enriched many lives. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Birdia Mae Redden Pullins heard her name called to come to eternal rest on May 9, 2025.  Preceding her to rest were her parents; her brother, James Wardell Redden; husband, Gene Raymond Pullins; and sons, Dennis Gene and Charles Wardell. 

Birdia is survived by her devoted son, Derek Gerome Pullins of Arlington, Texas; grandson, Charles Stephen Douglas Pullins, granddaughter Mekielle Yaneek Pullins both of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, David Wayne Jackson (RoxAnn) of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Kennetha West-Pullins (Dennis) of Snellville, Georgia; cousins, George Neal of Indianapolis, Indiana, Hersey Robertson, Jr. (Star), Hubert Robertson (Eleanor), Bettie Robertson (Lorenzy), Francine Robertson,(John) all of Columbus, Ohio and Wilma Mallory Blackman of Antioch, Tennessee; godchildren, Derrick Hulitt, Jr., Arlington, Texas and Kyra Hulitt of Lewisville, Texas, an extensive list of "daughters," her devoted friend Wheatie Everett, a host of family and friends, her Messiah Missionary Baptist Church Family, and her friends at Bethesda Senior Living Community of Arlington Texas. 

Humbly Submitted.........................................................The Family

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