Gilda Ann Pitts

Deaconess Gilda Ann Pitts was born to Charles and Autrice McDaniel on July 9th, 1947 in Gilliam, West Virginia. She was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 13, 2021. In 1962, the McDaniel family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Gilda soon became a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. As an excelling scholar, Gilda graduated from North High School in 1965. After high school, Gilda married Ernest L Pitts, had three children, and began her career at The Ohio Bell Telephone Company (currently known as AT&T Ohio), where she worked and later retired after 25 years. Throughout her 50 year membership at New Salem : Gilda played softball, bowled, served on the trustee, usher and deaconess boards, and participated as a member of both The Purpose Driven Women Care Group and The Cleveland - Sims Sunday School Class. In 1989, Gilda was awarded "Woman of The Year" by New Salem. As a second career she worked for H&R Block, and became the go-to tax preparer for all who knew her. She recently retired from H&B Block in 2020 after 25 years. Gilda had an immense passion for baking as she was well known for her pound cakes, sweet potato pies, and homemade holiday candies. Gilda's hobbies included fishing and watching baseball for countless hours - always cheering for her beloved Dodgers. As a beacon of her family, Gilda ensured they gathered for every holiday and remained as close as possible. She took all of her siblings' children and grandchildren any and everywhere, most notably were the trips to Florida and The Ohio State Fair. Gilda was well thought of as a virtuous woman by everyone because of the good she had done, bringing up her children well , and her kindness to strangers. She helped those who were sick and hurt, and was always ready to show kindness. Give her the rewards she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gates. (Proverbs 31:31) Gilda was preceded in death by her Parents, Charles and Autrice McDaniel; her Husband, Ernest L Pitts; her Son, Ernest F Pitts ; her Brothers, Charles and Reginald McDaniel; and her Dear Friend Maybell Kwan. Left to cherish her memories are: Daughters, Deenetra and Earnika Pitts; Son in law, Ernest L Pitts Jr; Granddaughters', Monica White , Deserae Brooks, Tymesha Pitts, and Twins, Nia and Nakia Hargrove; Great- grandchildren , Don " Putter " Love, Deashawn Hargrave, and Jordan Preston Jr; Sisters, Wanda (Roosevelt) Latimore, Glenda Pollard , and Teena (Nathaniel) McDaniel - Wright; Brothers, Ronald (Noemi) McDaniel from Rancho Cordova, California and Daryl (Barbara) McDaniel ; Close Friends, Crystal Flowers, Shirlyn Peoples, Janet Higginbotham, and Naomi Ayers; and a host of Nieces, Nephews and beloved Relatives and Friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the McDaniel Pitts New Salem Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund -1170. The Columbus Foundation, 1234 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 – 1453.