Gail Pitts, 87, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed peacefully in her sleep at Homeview Health and Rehab in Franklin, Indiana on November 30, 2023. She was born on July 21, 1936, in Indianapolis as the daughter of Lester and Martha Goodner. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Harry F. Pitts, in September of 2022.
Gail graduated from Arsenal Technical High School (Indianapolis) and at age 19 married Harry, a nondenominational minister, in June of 1956. Harry and Gail together faithfully served congregations for over 50 years in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and North Carolina, the final 20 years at Lebanon Christian Church. Gail considered her two greatest responsibilities and joys supporting her husband in ministry and raising their two sons and one daughter, Scott (born in 1957), Mark (born in 1958), and Dana (born in 1962).
Gail was a professional writer and speaker, publishing dozens of articles in various Christian magazines and serving as keynote speaker at a number of women’s retreats or conferences. She was locally famous in several states for composing church newsletters that read like something from Prairie Home Companion. Later in life, Gail served as the coordinator of volunteers at Village Christian Park in Zionsville, Indiana. She loved teaching Sunday School, especially mentoring middle school girls. Gail played hostess and cook for dozens of missionaries who stayed in the Pitts home over the years. She was well known for her spiritual gifts of hospitality, generosity, and encouragement. Most of all, Gail dotingly loved on her husband and children all of her adult life, modeling Jesus to all with whom she came into contact. Her family and friends will miss her greatly, but they rejoice in knowing Gail enjoys the heavenly reward promised to all those who follow and trust Jesus Christ.
Surviving family members include three children who all serve in paid or volunteer ministry, a source of pride for Gail, and all of whom deeply loved their mother and her devotion to them and to Christ: Scott (Charlotte) Pitts of Greenwood, IN, Mark (Nancy) Pitts of Wentzille, MO, and Dana (Neil) Burnette of Reidsville, NC. Gail also loved her grandchildren: Adrienne (Kyle) Conoyer, Eric (Caitlin) Pitts, Rachel (Jason (Koster), James (Sammi) Perry, and Dana (Jeff) Stevens; and ten great grandchildren.
Friends and family will gather Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10 am until the time of service at 12 noon, with Pastor Scott Pitts officiating. Mrs. Pitts will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made out to Johnson University Scholarship Fund, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998
