Marie S. Lovitt

Marie S. Lovitt died February 28, 2011 at Manhattan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, from 5-7 pm at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church at 10 am on Thursday, March 3, with visitation from 9-10 am. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery in Pachuta, Mississippi.

Mrs. Lovitt was born in Brookhaven on March 26, 1922, the daughter of Gussie Reese Schwem and Edward Daniel Schwem. She was a graduate of Brookhaven High School where she was chosen "Best Liked Girl" her senior year, and Whitworth College where she was editor of the school newspaper. She treasured her friendships with her Brookhaven girlfriends

throughout the years.

Mrs. Lovitt married her beloved "Charlie Mac" in 1944. Much to her great shock and immense sadness, he was killed in Prum, Germany, during WWII, leaving her with a newborn daughter. Her love for him was unconditional and she continued to honor and respect him throughout her life.

Following his death, she resided in Natchez with her parents where she began her career teaching kindergarten at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral. After eight years in Natchez, she moved to Jackson to teach kindergarten at St. Richard Catholic School where she remained for thirty-nine wonderful years. Teaching was never a job to her, but a ministry to serve the children that she taught. She made learning fun and exciting and was the essence of patience and kindness with her young students. St. Richard School and her students were the joy of her life.

Following her retirement in 1994 she volunteered her time at St. Richard Catholic Church under the direction of her close friend, Betty Dimitry. Mrs. Lovitt loved the Lord Jesus and her Catholic faith. She continued to receive the Eucharist until near her death

On most mornings one would find Mrs. Lovitt having breakfast with the "Breakfast Club" at the Krystal. She was seen around Jackson with her walking cane covered with flowers and always looking for new friends with whom to engage in conversation. She will be remembered for her smile, sweet spirit and love of family, especially children.

"NeNe" as she was known to her grand children and great grandchildren enjoyed many family vacations, school functions, trips to Little Rock and MSU football. She was always the "Life of the Party" at family gatherings and picnics. Her great joy in recent years was the birth of her three great grand children. She considered them as special gifts from God.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pvt. Charles McCall Lovitt, Jr., of Pachuta, Mississippi; her parents, Gussie and Ed Schwem; her sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Jimmy Shell, her sister Edwanna Decell; and her dear mother-in-law, Lola D. Lovitt.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Mike Hart; grandson, Doug Hart; granddaughter and her husband, Kristy and David Morris; and great-grandchildren Austin Hart, Kathryn Morris, and Lindsey Morris. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Bill Decell and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Richard Catholic School, 100 Holly Dr., Jackson, MS 39206.