Thelma Pitts, 91, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia. She was born on July 7, 1934, in Rosinville, South Carolina, to Joe and Mary Marchant. She was one of 15 children.
After high school, Thelma moved to Charleston, where she met her husband, Carl L. Pitts, and began her career at The Citadel. During her 39-year employment at The Citadel, she served in many roles, including Administrative Assistant to the Commandant of Cadets, where she had the privilege of working with cadets on a daily basis. She also handled all of the affairs for the Board of Visitors. The highlight of her career was being able to touch the lives of so many cadets. She had the privilege of serving as General Mark W. Clark's private secretary for 18 years. While working at The Citadel, Thelma worked at Belk, South Windermere, for 20 years.
In addition to her parents and many brothers and sisters, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years.
Thelma is survived by her two sons, Carl L. Pitts, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Keith L. Pitts and his wife, Wendy, of Charleston, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Jennifer Pitts, Carl L. Pitts, III (Danielle), Christina Hickey (Ryan), Alanna Pitts, and Ethan Pitts; and four great-grandchildren, Joshua Catino, Ava Catino, Ella Catino, and Chloe Hickey. Thelma is also survived by her sisters, Josephine Funderburk, Rhetta Mae Adams, and Margaret Thompson; her brother, Herman Marchant; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
The family would like to thank Habersham Manor Memory Care of Savannah for the love and care given over the past three years.
Funeral arrangements will be private.
Donations may be made in her memory to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, South Carolina.