Pitts, Pearl Lena (Duncan) 1949-2021

Pearl L. Pitts, 72, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on December 1, 2021. She was born to the late James Duncan and Julia (Brown) Duncan on February 23, 1949. Pearl was one of a kind. One of the most giving, selfless, nurturing people one could meet. She wasn’t just a caregiver to her family members, she cared for anyone in her community who needed help, a bite to eat, or a meaningful conversation. Pearl wasn’t afraid to have a tough conversation, she didn’t mind handing out whoopins, and she was always somebody you could count on to give you the truth, no matter how hard the truth was to hear. One could expect a hug, some comfort food, or just a comforting smile after the tough talks and that is what made Pearl a great mother, grandmother, and caregiver to all those she sewed herself into. Those who were lucky enough to taste her homemade jelly cake, pound cake, or her delicious coconut cake could tell anyone that the special ingredient Pearl put in all of her dishes was love. She was always looking forward to having people visit and was considered an excellent host. Aside from her family, what Pearl loved the most were her ducks and chickens. Although she had an excellent chicken n’ dumplings recipe, the chickens Pearl had on her property were pets and were to be treated with love and kindness, even if they chased you around the yard. Pearl moved from Grady, Arkansas when she was sixteen years old. Traditional values, the love of God, and good food were three things that she held close to her heart for the entirety of her life. She spent a good portion of her life living on the south side of Chicago where she was known as Mom to just about everybody. After she moved to the Michiana area she continued to connect and love everyone around her. In her spare time, she could have been found putting puzzles together, quilting, knitting, or making clothes for her family. She also did a little bit of traveling in her later years. She enjoyed going on cruises to Aruba, an occasional trip back to Chicago, and absolutely loved the special memories she made on her Disney World trips. If Pearl is to be remembered for anything it is to be remembered as somebody who always treated people fair, and gave them the time of day regardless of their background. She was always full of life and her caring heart will be missed by many family members, friends, and her community. Preceding Pearl in passing is her father, James Duncan; three of her children, Renee Duncan, Jerald Pitts, and Jawan Pitts; her grandmother Mary Patterson; and three of her siblings, Cleophus Brown, Molly Ash, and Sophie Brooks. She is survived by her mother, Julia May Brown, her loving husband, Jimmie Pitts; six children, Kendra Duncan-McDade, Steven Duncan, Stephanie Duncan, Bert Duncan, Jeannie (Neicey) Pitts-Wilson and an adopted child Troy Wilson. In order of birth.; eighteen grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; her siblings, Charlene Hughes, Louise (Joe) Jenkins, Ivory (Nurma) Brown, Betty Jackson, Sue Brown, Sherri Cole, Angela Coleman, and Wanda Edwards; her half-siblings, Tammy, Shirley, William, James Jr & Donald Duncan.; as well as many other family members and friends. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may donate directly to the Pitts Family. Services to celebrate Pearl’s life will be held at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pearl will be laid to rest at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Michigan following the service.