Deloris Kitt

Deloris Kitt was born on December 21, 1941, in Evergreen, Alabama to the late Eddie Sr. and Ethel Bell Kitt. As a small child, her parents moved to Niagara Falls, New York and later relocated to upper Manhattan (Harlem). “mom” as we affectionately called her, grew up and attended New York public schools. She was the second oldest child of seven siblings: Betty Ann Murphy (deceased), Garadine “Dean” Kitt, Eddie “Junior” Kitt (deceased), Gail Kitt (deceased), Vincent Kitt (deceased)and Anthony “Tony” Kitt.

Mom attended P.S. 194 Elementary, P.S. 136 Junior High and Charles Evan Hughes High School before attending The House Of Good Shepherd Home For Girls. There she completed her remaining high school credits. She graduated and received her diploma from Washington Irving High School. Mom started her career as an administrative secretary after receiving her high school diploma. She worked at several companies throughout her life such as Esplanade Gardens, Association of Black Social Workers, American Jewish Committee, and Phoenix Metro Transit. In her earlier years, mom also worked as a professional barmaid, event planner, and seamstress.

Mom was an artist at heart; you should see the Freehand drawings from her art classes. Besides arts & crafts, mom enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, word search, sewing, crocheting, and knitting during her free time. In addition, mom would write short children’s stories, listen to music, and dance. Most of her career was with American Express Travel Related Services Corporation, where she worked as an Accounting Clerk for 14 years and retired at the age of 62.

Over the years, mom was awarded higher educational achievements such as Small Business Management certificate from City College of New York School of General Studies; Competent Toastmaster’s certification, and Diploma from the Institute of Children’s Literature – Writing for Children and Teenagers.

What we loved most about our mother is how she genuinely cared for her family and friends. Mom gave birth to four children: Itury “Tory” (deceased); Deirdre “Reesie,” Anitra “Nee” and Sean “Boo.” Our dad, Richard Reed, was the love of our mom’s life and after his passing in September 1963, our mom was left to raise us on her own. She worked multiple jobs to ensure she could provide for us. Mom was one of the best seamstresses on the block. She would not only sew clothing for her children, but she would also make a living sewing clothes for family and close friends.

Later in life, mom married her childhood friend, Henry Bussue and they remained married for 11 years.

On September 30, 1992, mom with her two grandchildren by her side (Kis-ma and Chaniqua) relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. She resided with her daughter Anitra Kitt until she found a place of her own. Although mom missed New York’s four seasons, she was happy with her decision to make Arizona her permanent place of residence.

Mom developed and maintained a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord. She constantly prayed for her family, friends, and everyone in the world. God was the head of her household and a guiding light in her life. Mom looked forward to church services and bible studies. In addition, she looked forward to the family prayer line every Tuesday led by her niece Kimberly Murphy. Mom would select and read a scripture before prayer.

Mom was a member of First Institutional Baptist Church Of Arizona for 22 years under Pastor Warren H. Stewart Sr. Once she purchased her home in the north Phoenix area, mom started attending and volunteering at the Moon Valley Bible Church under Senior Pastor Bob Kerrey and officially became a member in 2023.

Mom was loved and blessed beyond measure. Each person who knew her has unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime. Those that needed her most would be accommodated no matter the time or day. Her New York apartment was not only a home for her four children, but mom always opened the door for family members and friends when they needed a place to stay.

Our mom’s warm and gentle personality and her love of family will be missed the most.

The journey of mom’s life ended on 06/26/2026. She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her children: Deirdre Kitt, Anitra Kitt and Sean Ables; siblings: Garadine Kitt and Anthony Kitt, 1 goddaughter; 6 stepchildren; 35+ grandchildren; 44+ great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a myriad of other close friends.

Visitation will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, US, on July 7, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, US, on July 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, US, on July 8, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.