Dorothy Vera Pitts (nee Congo) was born on August 20, 1918, to the late Leon and Edna Congo in Atglen,
Pennsylvania. On Sunday February 3, 2019, she departed this life, going home to be with the Lord.
Dorothy was the fourth of six children. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, the late Reverend John I. and
Martha (Mattie) Congo Peaco. As a result of her grandfather Reverend John Peaco's travel obligations for
ministry, Dorothy received her education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.
Grandpop Peaco's assignment as the pastor of Cool Run Church, now known as Haven United Methodist
Church brought Dorothy and her siblings to Salem County New Jersey.
On October 29, 1934, Dorothy was united in Holy matrimony to Lester E. Pitts, Sr. He preceded her in death in
September 1993. From this union eleven children were born: Lester Jr., Chouncey, Patricia, Paulette, Wesley,
Anthony, Carol, Pamela, Ralph, Douglas and Annette. Dorothy was a faithful and devoted member of Ephesus
Pentecostal Church (Tabernacle of Praise) for over sixty years. She was faithful in service and continued to be
supportive of her church even with compromised health.
Dorothy had a rock-solid work ethic which led her to employment at Anchor Glass and the Salem County Home
until she took early retirement at the age of fifty-five. Dorothy's greatest fulfillment came from being a
homemaker. Being a wife to her loving and devoted husband Lester, mother to eleven beautiful children and
grandmother to several grandchildren kept her extremely busy. Dorothy's passion and devotion to her family
was further bolstered by her love for God. Dorothy received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the young
age of twelve and Biblical principle governed every aspect of her life especially her love and dedication to her
family and her commitment to be a true prayer warrior.
Dorothy was a woman of tremendous wisdom, kindness and generosity. She was affectionately known as
"Mom", "Mommy", "Mother", "Dot", "Aunt Dot", "Cousin Dorothy", "Mother Pitts", "Miss Pitts",
"Grandmom", "Granny", "Great Granny" and she had a hearty laugh coupled with her direct, yet graceful
personality were a blessing and encouragement to all who knew her. Dorothy was admired by many for being a
phenomenal cook and baker. It's been said she made the best fried chicken around. She was also noted for the
sheer enjoyment she found in gathering with her sisters-in-law at Dora's, canning fresh vegetables, quilting,
taking family trips to Wildwood and "up home" (Atglen/Coatesville, PA), eating crabs and watching the Price is
Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory – seven children Lester, Jr. of Salem, NJ; Patricia Pace (George) of
Pennsville, NJ; Paulette Pitts of Bridgeton, NJ; Carol Wells (Harry) of Bridgeton, NJ; Pamela Pitts of
Bridgeton, NJ; Douglas of Bridgeton, NJ; and Annette Craig of Capitol Heights, MD. One daughter-in-law,
Marie Pitts of Bridgeton, NJ. Twenty-five grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren, thirty great-great
grandchildren, three great-great-great grandchildren. Two sisters-in-law – Sarah and Marcia, and a host of
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Edna Congo,
her loving husband of fifty-nine years, Lester, Sr.; four sons – Chouncey, Wesley, Anthony and Ralph; two
brothers Leon and Ralph, three sisters Martha, Lillian and Pauline, seven brothers-in-law and eleven sisters-in?law. Dorothy's legacy is one of spiritual obedience, great generosity, servitude, wisdom, warmth, unconditional
love and extraordinary humility