Pitts, Dorothy Carolyn Spradley: Rev. Carolyn S. Pitts died peacefully on 9/28/13. She was born in Sylacauga 8/14/31 to Rev. Dr. Harold and Dorothy Spradley, when Harold was pastoring a 3-church circuit. Carolyn was the oldest of 3, followed by Joyce (Frank Alford) and Harold Spradley (Jackie). Her parents faithfully served United Methodist churches across the North AL conference for over 50 years. Carolyn was married to Dr. R. Marshall Pitts, pediatric surgeon at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. She taught French, Spanish, and Drama at Hillsboro High School in Nashville as Marshall finished his 1st year of residency at Vandy. She then raised 4 children and was an active UMC volunteer, especially with the Women’s Society of Christian Service (now UMW), where Carolyn held offices at the church, conference, and jurisdictional level. During her 40’s, she took classes at Princeton University Seminary, then commuted to Nashville over 3 years to earn an M.Div. at Vandy. She proceeded to earn a D.Min. through Drew University (NJ) Seminary. Carolyn followed her Dad’s and father-in-law’s footsteps (Umsted S. Pitts) in serving No. Ala. UMC churches for 20+ years in Birmingham, Florence, Decatur, and Anniston, as well as the conference Board of Ministry. Carolyn was passionate about community and inner-city ministry, taking all 4 children along in the turbulent 60’s as she taught piano and drama at Bethlehem House Community Center in Titusville (West End). In the early 80’s as a UMC deacon at FUMC, B’ham, she spearheaded an effort to open the Old Firehouse Men’s Shelter (along with the Cooperative Downtown Minister’s Assn. and Baptist WMU). Finally, she served a predominantly homeless congregation at Church of the Reconciler UMC as a retired associate minister. Carolyn is survived by her sister and brother, as well as 4 children, Sister Mary Dominic Pitts (St. Cecilia Dominican Convent, Nashville), Caty (Athens, AL), & Bert (Lindsay) and Pete (Kelly Godby, MD), both in B’ham, and 3 granddaughters, Brennan (Nashville), Maggie (Oxford, MS) and Sarah (B’ham). The visitation will be Friday 10/4 5-8pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, the funeral Saturday 10/5 11am at First UMC B’ham, with burial following at Elmwood. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Old Firehouse Men’s Shelter, 1501 3rd Ave N, B’ham, AL 35203.
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