Doris Pitts
Doris “Shorty” “Mamaw” Pitts, 94, died on April 17, at her daughter’s home.
Whether you knew her as Doris, Shorty or Mamaw everyone loved her. She was a beautiful red head with a beautiful smile who had a kind word or a compliment for everyone she met. Once you met her, you were truly blessed and never forgot her.
Those going to heaven before Shorty was her husband of 53 years, Ira Miller Pitts, and her brothers, Dumas Pitt, Jack Pitt, Paul Pitt and Jim Pitt. She was greeted by many family members and friends and the gates of heaven.
Surviving Shorty/Mamaw are her daughter, best friend and caregiver, Martha Pitts Richard, dedicated son-in-law and caregiver, Rick Richard, beloved grandson and caregiver, Brian Richard; family friend and caregiver, Synovia Mack, who brought her through some bad times and was always there for Shorty; “adopted” grandchildren, Meyoshia Powell and Darmecus Rawls. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Jena Pitt, Jane Pitt and Nada Pitt; several nieces and nephews; one special great-niece, Brandi Richard; and Mamaw’s very special boy, Bonzo, who loved to eat Little Debbies with her.
Thanks to our many friends who supported our family and prayed for Shorty during her many ups and downs. Special thanks to our friend Alice Smart who helped take care of Shorty in so many ways, to April Wade who was Shorty’s entertaining caregiver, and Lydia Clark who always brought a smile to Shorty. For the years Shorty was unable to leave home, Claudia Owsley and Michelle Chastain came to our house to fix her hair and give her manicures. Miss Shorty loved to be pampered. We couldn’t have done without Camellia Home Health Care and Health Force. They made life easier for Shorty and gave her extra years.
In 2008 Shorty was in a very bad situation and went to Life Care of Collegedale where she was brought back to life. The staff and therapists were truly awesome. She had six more years to give smiles and hugs.
There are a special group of friends who loved Shorty since 1965. Shorty was a mother to these students at Murray State University. They have never failed to miss a birthday or Christmas with cards, calls and e-mails. Thanks for remembering Shorty – Valerie Luke, Barb Autrey, Patty Brown, Kay Brewer, Marilyn Silvia, Jack and Sandy Hibbs, Ed D’Aloisio, Vic Howard, Frank Aiello and Joe Nappi.
Shorty/Mamaws favorite things were glass bottle Cokes and Hershey bars with almonds. She also loved to dance to any kind of music and watching Dancing with the Stars. Now she is dancing with the heavenly stars.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Alonzo Noble officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson.
The family will receive friends from 5–8 p.m. on Monday, April 21, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Shorty/Mamaw would like for everyone to adopt a forever friend or make a donation to Pet Placement, 5975 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, Tn. 37415 or to the Humane Educational Society, 212 N. Highland Park Ave. Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn.