Lucille Allen Pitts

Lucille Allen Pitts, 96, died peacefully on September 25, 2022 at Abernathy Laurels. Born on November 25,1925 in White County, Georgia to the late Tollie and Bertie Allen, she moved with her family to Catawba County in 1932. She graduated from Newton-Conover High School in 1942, where she excelled in her studies and on the basketball court. After attending the Newton Business School, she moved to Washington, DC and spent the next year during World War II typing letters of commendation to Marine Corps medal winners. On January 1, 1944, after returning to Newton, she began a career in the Catawba County Register of Deeds, which would span the next 65 years. Serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations, she remained the one constant in the office where she developed a well-deserved reputation for loyalty, dedication, integrity and kindness. As the headline of an article in the Charlotte Observer declared in 2004, Lucille is “Nothing short of a treasure.”

She retired in 2009 as the longest tenured county employee, and likely the longest North Carolina government employee, in history. In recognition of her many years of outstanding service, she was TWICE awarded North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, once by Governor Hunt and once by Governor Easley. She also received letters of commendation from Presidents Reagan and Clinton.

Lucille was an active member of Beth-Eden Lutheran Church, former Sunday School teacher and life member of the Lutheran Church Women. She was an avid fan of George Strait and was treated to a backstage meeting with the singer in honor of her eightieth birthday. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and loved the Carolina Tar Heels but was often “too nervous” to watch any close games.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Monroe Pitts, son Larry Pitts, son-in-law Richard Kale, and sisters Vivian Hager and Rachel Hunsucker. Survivors include her son Ralph Allen Pitts and wife Lynn Pitts, daughter Patricia Kale, daughter-in-law Debbie Wentz, brother-in-law Walter Hunsucker, Jr., five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The family owes a debt of gratitude to Lucille’s great friend Betty Miles and the wonderful staff at Abernethy Laurels who cared so well for her during the last years of her life.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28th at Beth-Eden Lutheran Church in Newton. Reverend Marcus Ollis will officiate, and burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Beth-Eden Lutheran Church, 400 North Main Avenue, Newton, NC or to the charity of your choice.