LaVerne Lewis Pitts, 85, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the presence of her loving daughters at her home.
A celebration of her life will be held at Crossview Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dusty Stoey officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 14 between 6 and 8 p.m. at Paulk Funeral Home.
LaVerne will be dearly missed by the family she leaves behind, including her two daughters: Sandra (David) Chaney and Janet (Greg) Muse; four grandchildren: Tiffany (Kyle) Coleman, John Mark (Brittany) Chaney, Shannon (Terrance White) McEntyre, and William Muse all of Fitzgerald, Georgia; nine great-grandchildren: Ashton Coleman, Audrey Coleman, Morgan Chaney, Laura Merritt, Bryson Chaney, Braelyn Chaney, Analea Coleman, Drayden Shannon, and Jordan McEntyre; three step-grandchildren: Jon (Rhonda) Muse, Erin (Ron) Croft, and Randi Jenkins; four step-great-grandchildren: Erik Muse, Cloe (Blake) Arnold, Jaiden Croft, and Haylee Jenkins; one step-great-great-grandson: Grayson Arnold; one sister, Avis Josey of Fitzgerald, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Magdalene Lewis; along with many other cherished relatives and friends.
Born on October 6, 1940, in Rebecca, Turner County, Georgia, she was the daughter of George and Laura Lewis. Her family moved to Fitzgerald when she was a young child, and she remained a lifelong resident.
After graduating from Fitzgerald High School in 1958, she met and married the love of her life, Reuben Pitts. They shared 59 wonderful years of marriage together.
LaVerne began her career in 1959 when she started working at GTE as a part-time telephone operator. Over the years, she demonstrated remarkable versatility and dedication, serving in a variety of roles including wirer, repair clerk, service representative, test board operator, and plant clerk. After enjoying a brief retirement, she returned to the workforce with the Ben Hill County Clerk of Superior Court, where she faithfully served for 15 years, retiring as Chief Deputy Clerk.
She had a deep passion for collectibles and antiques, and she cherished the time she spent alongside her husband pursuing that shared interest. Together, they enjoyed visiting yard sales, antique shops, and flea markets, always on the lookout for unique finds and hidden gems. These outings were more than a hobby — they were moments of joy, companionship, and lasting memories.
Above all, LaVerne loved her family and cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
After accepting Christ as her Savior, she became a member of Abba Baptist Church and later moved her membership to Crossview Baptist Church (formerly Northside Baptist Church). In her later years, she especially enjoyed fellowship with dear friends in the Seekers Sunday School class.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Ira Lewis of Ocilla, Georgia, Eugene “Gene” Lewis and Sidney Lewis, both of Fitzgerald, Georgia; a brother-in-law, Jimmy Josey of Fitzgerald, Georgia; and a niece, Denise Ring of Ocilla, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Sylvia Lamb, 770 Lamb Road, Ashburn, Georgia 31714.
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.