Lavon M. Pitts

Lavon was born September 7, 1946 in St. Louis, MO to Seth C. and Mabel (Cutler) Massey. She married Robert “Bob” Pitts on January 12, 1963 in St. Louis, MO. Together, they renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob preceded her in death on August 3, 2021.

Lavon was also preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, James, Edna, Anna, Elsie, Jack, Geraldine, Morris, Mary Alice, Juanita, Claude, Mabel, Melba, Arnold, Jerry, Alton, Sam, Seth Jr., Paul James and Rose; and her beloved dogs, Kaiser and Hans.

Lavon is survived by her loving family, including her children, Ronald O. (Lisa) Pitts, April L. (W. Brent Nealey II) Nealey and Ricky D. (Rebecca J.) Pitts; grandchildren, Theresa (John) Dixon, Makenzie Pitts, Adrian (Osbaldo) Martinez, Lillian Grace Pitts, Joshua Pitts, Riley Anne Pitts, Michael (Charsie) Nealey and Alicia (Ryan) Stratton; great- grandchildren, Trent Alexander Arterburn, Judah Nealey, Morgan Wuebbels, Vanessa Martinez, Abraham Nettles, Osbaldo Martinez Jr., Lander Brent Nealey, Skylar Stratton, Madalyn Dixon, Sebastian Dixon, Carleigh Dixon, Delanie Dixon and Tate Dixon; brother-in-law, Roger Pitts; sister-in-law, Mary Massey; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lavon was a devoted member of Calvary Church Metro East for more than 50 years, where she faithfully served as a prayer warrior and lived out her deep love for the Lord. Her faith guided every season of her life and was a source of strength to all who knew her. Years ago, during challenging times for her family, Lavon worked as a certified nursing assistant, demonstrating her quiet resilience and unwavering dedication to others. She later continued her compassionate service by working as an assistant at a special-needs facility, where her kindness and patience touched many lives. Above all else, Lavon devoted her life to her beloved husband, her children, and her grandchildren, cherishing her role as the heart of her family. Her legacy and love will live on in their hearts forever.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Countryside Manor and Residential Hospice for their love and compassion shown to Lavon.

A visitation for Lavon will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A funeral service will be held following the visitation, at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Pastor Chad Townsley will officiate. Final interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, alongside her husband, Bob.

Memorial donations may be made to the Calvary Church Metro East Building Fund.