Dorothy Mae (Pitt) Lewis

Dorothy Mae Lewis née Pitt departed her earthly life at 96 years of age on January 12, 2026 of natural causes. She was born at home in Orlinda, Tennessee on September 7, 1929 to her parents Ollie and Rosie Pitt, who proceeded her in death. She was the eldest daughter of 12 children. She is preceded in death by four brothers; Ollie Robert Pitt, Henry Coleman Pitt (Katherine), Robert Donald Pitt, and Jerry Lynn Pitt, as well as two sisters, Willie Bell Hill and Robbie Jean Garrison.

She moved to Indiana at the age of 17. Though never completing her formal education due to responsibilities at home, she was self-educated, and became a licensed real estate agent.

Her first marriage produced her beloved daughter Paula Lawrence née Carver (the late James). She subsequently married Edward Dewey Lewis on December 16, 1965 gaining a stepson Lance Lewis (Cathy) in the process. Together they had two daughters, Linda L. Lewis, (luri Santos) and Lora Lewis Rudd (Chris Rudd). She is survived and will be greatly missed by all her children, as well as all of her grandchildren; Jamie Lawrence Nickels (Ben Nickels), Jason Lewis (Erin), Aaron Lewis (Tabitha), Angie Miltenberger (James), Tosh Lewis (Kyra Andrews), Zeca and Zara Santos-Lewis, and 10 great-grandchildren.

During her life, Dorothy served as a precinct committeeperson for the Brown County Democratic Central Committee, where she worked diligently to register voters in her precinct. Raised in the segregated south, she intentionally instilled in her children a respect for all people, as well as a love of nature. A philanthropist, she supported countless causes to benefit and support those less fortunate than her in her community and around the world, and volunteered her time to serve on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

A prolific hobbyist, she was known for her skill as a seamstress and weaver, and especially for her flower gardening; her skill in the cultivation of African violets was beyond compare. She was a talented cook and hostess, regularly hosting large Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and family reunions at her impeccably decorated home. In her free time, she loved to read (often finishing two books a week until the age of 95), feed and watch the birds, play games with her grandchildren, and spend time with her friends who regularly met to weave baskets. 

She will be remembered for her kindness, support, understanding, and generosity by all who knew her, but none more than her children and grandchildren, to whom she was the ultimate source of information, authority, and comfort.

Often quiet compared to other family members, she was considered to be the one who was “always right" and she won and settled debates on a range of topics. In hindsight, maybe she was wise enough not to enter the discourse unless she was certain she was correct.

She will be dearly missed by her surviving siblings; Clois Pitt, Ricky Pitt (Judy), Lois Cooley, Linda Boles and Mary Belt, and many nieces and nephews. She truly appreciated the service and companionship of devoted handyman Dan Bright, as well as her caregivers in her final years, Patty Abrams, Laura Arnold and Pat Mulryan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony School, the Indiana Donor Network, Mother’s Cupboard Community Kitchen or PBS.

Memorial service will be held at her home, at a later date, when her daffodils are in bloom. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown. Condolences may be shared with the family at meredith-clark.com

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