Marla Carver-Pitts

Marla Gaylene Carver R.N. IV, B.S.N., C.C.R.N., 59, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2014. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2014 at Southcrest Baptist Church, as well as streamed live via the internet at www.southcrest.org Marla’s premature death gives us pause and warrants reflection of our own mortality, spirituality and blessings. Though tiny in stature, Marla’s love and zest for life was gigantic. She touched scores of people during her 37-year, healing career in nursing. A passion for animals of all varieties and sizes, a love of music and the arts, a love of nature, travel and adventure were generously explored by Marla. She loved her friends deeply and there were MANY! In 2007, she found the love of her life, best friend, travel companion, confidant and husband, Bill Pitts whom she trusted with her life. She was a devoted mother to Cody, whom she cherished with all her heart. Marla loved her Savior, Jesus. She counted on our Lord to help her through daily struggles in life and she never failed to praise God for her countless blessings. Even in her fight for life with the “monster” (as she referred to it…the tumor growning inside her brain), she praised her Lord & Savior and continued to hold on to Philippians 4:7, until her joyous reunion. It reads: (“and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”). Everyone who knew Marla, was keenly aware of her love for animals….ALL ANIMALS! Two of her most beloved doggies to precede her in death, were “Keisha” and “Lucky”. This void was soon eased with the rescue of Prissy, Max, Keita, Baxter and T-Bird. Marla and Bill were equally united in these rescues and equally shared in the responsibilities of providing for these little fur kids. Interestingly, all of these doggies are tiny in stature, and gigantic in personality! Recently, Marla befriended “Trigger”, a Therapy Horse at the Quest Equestrian Center. She was highly invigorated by her love for Trigger and the time she was able to spend with him at the riding center. Bill observed that all her worries and pain were completely forgotten when she was with him. Marla volunteered for at least 15 years with the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center here in Lubbock, where she cared for animals in need with friends who shared her passion. Over the years I can recall, Ferrets, Prairie Dogs, Squirrels, untold numbers of dogs, cats, birds, and turtles in her care. She blessed me with her friendship. The splendor of earth was Marla’s playground. She lived, she loved, she laughed. Marla is survived by her husband, Bill Pitts of Lubbock; son, Cody Carver of Lubbock; brother, Coel Lee Winn of San Francisco; and aunt, Jean Richardson of Lubbock.

Condolences and online guestbook can be found at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, Lubbock, TX.