John Arthur Pitts was born to the proud couple of Elmer and Lillie Hampton Pitts. Their bundle of joy arrived on July 8, 1928 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was the second born to the union along with his oldest brother Homer, younger brother Albert Lewis, and sister Annida. Across the street from the family home at 1301 North Lansing, the Pitts Family owned an apartment building where two well known businesses rented space: Brewer's Sundry, and Soda Fountain and Adam's Grocery. John received his formal education in the Tulsa Public Schools System, graduating from Booker T. Washington in 1947. While attending high school, John was a member of the mighty Washington Hornets Marching Band, playing the saxophone.

On May 18, 1948, John married Dorothy Richardson and later enlisted in the military service receiving an honorable discharge on July 29, 1952 as a Private E-1 in the United States Army. John and Dorothy celebrated 57 years of marriage before her passing on April 7, 2006. Mr. Pitts enjoyed a long and productive work history in Tulsa. He worked at the Mayo Hotel, Bishop's Restaurant, Climax Control which is a division of the Lawrence Warehouse Company, later purchased by Black, Sivall and Bryson, Inc. He remained a faithful employee there for 15 years until the company relocated. He also worked briefly for Cresent Percision before gaining employment with Tulsa Public Schools where he worked for 22 years retiring on October 10, 1986. While working at the different schools, Mr. Pitts became a mentor and a source of encouragement to many students. He always had a smile and a word of encouragement to share. Mr. Pitts was well respected and as the students became adults, and now have children of their own. Those students were always surprised that he would see them and remembered them by name.

John was also a faithful member of Miracle Community Baptist Church for more than 35 years serving in many capacities under the late Rev. Leon Edd, Sr., who was also his classmate and longtime friend. While working in the church, Mr. Pitts enjoyed a most honored and treasured experience of knowing and working with Barbara Cumby, whom he regarded as a god-daughter. Even though his health began to fail, and John was no longer able to attend church as often, Barbara continued to visit him regularly at the Care Center and take him to church when he could. One of John's favorite projects was the bus ministry. He enjoyed arranging bus trips to fellowship with other churches in Oklahoma City and Muskogee, and excursions to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Mr. Pitts was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, and two brothers: Homer and Albert Lewis. Remaining to cherish his memory: his loving sister, Annida Spencer (John H.) Tulsa, OK., nephews: Malcolm, Alphonso, James, Melvin, and Rodger "Ricky" Watkins, nieces: Lillie, Rogenia, Tulsa, OK., a goddaughter, Barbara Cumby, Tulsa, OK., 3 sisters in-law: Anna Richardson, Shirley Richardson, Oklahoma City, OK., Priscilla Richardson, Houston, TX., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Services will be held on Saturday May 8, 2010 at 10AM at Miracle Community Baptist Church located at 2507 E. 29th Place North in Tulsa. Friends may visit Mr. Pitts as he rests in peaceful repose on Friday May 7, 2010 from 10AM until 7PM.