Josephine “Jo” McNeilly Pitts

Josephine “Jo” McNeilly Pitts, 86, of Glen Alpine died on Sunday, March 10, 2019 after a period of declining health.  Born in Morganton on July 28, 1932, she was the middle of three children of the late Roy and Jessie Hipps McNeilly.  Her mother died when she was eleven.  Two years later she welcomed into her life a loving, inspiring step-mother, Blanche Horton, and her sons, Alton and Clifton.

Jo and her husband, Clifton ‘Abe’ Pitts were faithful member of First Baptist Church in Morganton where she sang in the choir and derived much enjoyment from the fellowship with her Sunday school class members.  At home she was a marvelous seamstress and baker.  While she deflected compliments on her baking, she loved time in the kitchen with her many recipes, for which her family and friends were grateful.

Jo graduated from Morganton High School in 1950 and was employed for many years at First National Bank in Morganton, which later became Wachovia Bank.  Her sustained friendships with co-workers and bank customers in the community were very meaningful for Jo.

Jo is survived by her husband, Clifton Pitts of the home; daughters, Teresa Pitts of Glen Alpine and Sandra Seidenfield (Steven) of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law, Mikki McNeilly, Ruth Clontz, Lib Horton, Frances Horton, Betty Pitts Pollard, Jane Pitts, and Jenny Pitts; brother-in-law, Gorman Pitts; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her brothers, Herbert and Phillip McNeilly; and her step-brothers, Alton and Clifton Horton.

At Jo’s request, the family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Morganton. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. in the church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Morganton, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Burke United Christian Ministries, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Samuel Adkins and the staff of Burke Hospice for their wonderful care of Jo.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.