Iris Carter Pygatt was born on May 5, 1934, in Warrenton, North Carolina, to Christmas and Addie Carter. She graduated from John R. Hawkins High School in Warrenton, and continued her education after relocating to California. She attended Compton Community College (AA), then earned her BA and MA degrees in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez. She was also an accredited community college instructor.
During the summer of 1954, Iris met and fell in love with Edward Pygatt. On August 23,
1958, they were united in holy matrimony. Their union was blessed with the births of
their two daughters, Jacquelyn Marie and Tami Jo. In 1971, the Pygatt family relocated
from Rhode Island, establishing Lynwood, CA as their home.
Iris began her entrepreneurial journey as a real estate broker, opening her own real
estate office as well as being a community advocate. Her passion for advocating for the
community spurred her to a successful career as real estate developer and broker. This
passion also led her to be an active participant in community, city, and regional
organizations. She was a member of several professional, business and community
organizations, as well held several leadership positions (President, Treasurer, Secretary, Block Commissioner) including Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Media Women, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Jack & Jill, ‘Just Us Girls’, Compton-Lynwood Board of Realtors, Lynwood Rotary Club, and National/California Association of City Treasurers. Iris held the position of City Treasurer of Lynwood for sixteen years, serving the city and community with pride and dignity.
On Monday, October 21, 2024 transitioned to be with the Lord.
She was preceded in death by husband Edward, daughter Dr. Tami Pygatt, her parents, and sister Caledonia Christeen Carter.
She leaves to cherish memories, daughter Jacquelyn (Timothy) Armstrong, son-in-law Yusufu Dankaro, sisters-in-law Helen McElveen, Mary (Harold) Pinckney, Mildred Pygatt, Gladys Pygatt, and Arteal Pygatt, a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.
