Helen Lanning Pitts

Helen Lanning Pitts died at the age of 92 at her residence on Wednesday, April 06, 2011. Born in Forsyth County, NC on July 5, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Carl Lanning and Delta Swicegood Lanning. Helen was a very active member of First United Methodist Church. She was valedictorian at Wallburg High School and a graduate of Salem College. Helen was a loved home economics teacher at Morganton High School. She and her husband actively supported the N.C. State Wolfpack. They were also avid world travelers. For those in need, she was always the first one there with food. Helen was greatly loved by all and will be truly missed.Helen is survived by her son, Philip Pitts, Jr. and wife, Jackie, of Charlotte, NC; a daughter, Rebecca Mitchell and husband, Jimmy, of Jamestown, NC; grandchildren, Susan P. Allbert and husband, John, Kelly P. Harrick and husband, Jeff, Jenny M. Vestal and husband, Lee, and Trey Mitchell; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Vera L. Talton of Morganton; a nephew, Dr. James Gaskill and wife, Judy, of Nebo, NC; and nieces, Helen Simpson and husband, J.R., of Morganton, Jenny Nelson and husband, Ken, of North Wilkesboro, NC, and Elizabeth Foulk and husband, Dwight, of Fayetteville, GA.In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Henry Pitts; a son, Andy Pitts; and a sister, Lillian L. Gaskill.A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. A private graveside service will be held at Glen Alpine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.