Viola Butler Pitts

Mrs. Viola B. Pitts, the daughter of the late Norman and Hattie Mae Butler was born on October 28, 1935 in Sumter County, South Carolina. She was reared in Sumter County Community, where she attended public school. Viola graduated from Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina. She began her professional career working in the Sumter School District where she served faithfully for more than 30 years as an attendance clerk. She later became a Paraprofessional at Sumter High School where she played a major role in the life of every student who entered her classroom. Viola was a lifelong member at St. Paul A.M.E Church, where she serves as Secretary, Treasurer, Missionary, Gospel Choir and in many other areas of ministry. She served as Leader of Elizabeth Tent #57, as well as serving as a Past Matron and Secretary of Catchall #315. Viola was initiated into the organization in 1967. Viola married the late Howard Pitts in 1955 and from that union, nine children were born. In addition to her parents, Norman and Hattie Butler, Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Pitts; two sons, Howard L. Pitts and Michael D. Pitts; three brothers; and four sisters. Viola B. Pitts departed this life on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at her residence in Sumter, South Carolina. In spite of her departure from this Earth, she leaves a “Legacy of Love” behind. Viola is survived by her loving and devoted family. Left to cherish her precious memories are three sons, Ricky Pitts, Darryl H. Pitts, both of Sumter, South Carolina, and Edgar A. (Patricia) Pitts of Jacksonville, Florida; four daughters, Violette (Melvin) Isaac, Valarie (Jake) Sanders, Yolanda Pitts, all of Sumter, South Carolina, and Yvette Pitts of Fayetteville, North Carolina; twenty grandchildren, Cedric Mack, Corey Pitts, Brandon Pitts, Michael Pitts, Naomi Pitts, Darryl R. Pitts, Autumn Pitts, Anastasia Pitts, Vanessa Pitts, Craig Simmons, Latoya Simmons, Frankye Simmons, Mel’Arnesia Isaac, Jake Sanders III, Vistasia Sanders, Shekinah Sanders, Kywaun Washington, Shalaya Bennett, Lewis D. Bennett, and Ashley Lippman; thirty great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; special daughter, Tina Williams of Staten Island, New York; one sister-in-law, Reverend Lou Conyers; one brother-in law, Ervin Pitts; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Viola Butler Pitts

October 28, 1935 - May 27, 2025

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