Gladys Arney Pitts Tillman

Gladys Arney Pitts Tillman, 93, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Grace Ridge Health Care Center following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on September 26, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Marshall Scott Arney and Laura Loven Arney. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph S. Pitts, Sr. and Fred S. Tillman; brothers, Marshall S. Arney and Dr. W. C. "Bill" Arney; and a sister, Mable Arney Connelly. Gladys was a graduate of Morganton High School and of Women’s College, Greensboro, NC (now UNC-G). For a few years following graduation, Gladys taught school in Winston-Salem and Morganton before embracing her true vocation as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She poured herself into community affairs including a stint as a member of the Morganton City School Board and a member of the Junior Woman’s Club. For sixty-three years, Mrs. Tillman was a member and past President of the Morganton Woman’s Club and had also served as a Woman’s Club state level officer. She was a charter member and past President of the Morganton Service League, a member of the Dutch Club, served on the Morganton-Burke Library Board, and the Southmountain Childrens Home Board. Gladys loved playing Bridge and golf and was a member of Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club. For many years she was a Girl Scout leader serving at both the local and district level. She relished her time spent at Lake James water skiing with her family. Mrs. Tillman was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where she was an active member of the United Methodist Women, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of many church committees including several terms on the Administrative Board.Surviving to cherish her memory are her son, Ralph S. Pitts, Jr. of Advance, NC; daughters, Flo Pitts Carter and her husband, Donnie of Nebo, NC and Margaret Pitts Nieters and her husband, Dr. Gerald Neiters of Morganton; grandchildren, Tucker Carter and wife, Lisa, Margot Carter and husband, Robert, Michelle Farabaugh and husband, Matt, Laura Carter, Jessica Carter and husband, Phillip, and Marshall Pitts and wife, Christina; and great grandchildren, Zachary Carter, Bryce Carter, Rollin Gladys Carter, Lawson Carter, Scott Farabaugh, and Madeline Farabaugh.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church, Morganton with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday morning at Glen Alpine Cemetery. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting.