In her 88th year of a resilient and bright life, Marvelene Pitts Lawson passed peacefully at dawn on Feb. 23, 2022 at her daughter’s home in Birmingham, Ala., after a short illness, beyond her early Alzheimer’s.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Quintos Victor Pitts and Myrtle McKnight Pitts; her stepmother, Eunice Rice West Pitts; brother, Robert Clayton Pitts; sister Aileen Pitts Latta; and her beloved husband of 57 years, Curtis Glenn Lawson.
Marvelene is survived by two loving daughters, Sharon Perley and Janet Lawson; two grandchildren, Mathew (Abigail) Perley and Michelle Lott (Harrison); and her sister, Dorothy Pitts Rast, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Marvelene was born in Pulaski, Tenn., and raised in Millington, Tenn., where she met the love of her life, Curt. She was a captivating Marine Corps wife blessed with many talents. She excelled at hosting parties, crafting, sewing, quilting, bridge, gardening, bowling, and mothering her daughters well. Their colorful military life included domiciles at the bases of Millington; Point Mugu, Calif.; Cherry Point, N.C.; and Quantico, Va.
After her husband retired as a USMC colonel with 35 years of service, they resided in Westborough, Mass., for 10 years of private sector work until finally retiring to South Alabama. Marvelene and Curt traveled the world during retirement and relished relaxing at their home on the water.
“Marvelous” Marvelene was a dedicated, strong, loyal, spirited “lady” who never met a stranger. She exuded virtues, manners, good stories, and fun, with a touch of Southern belle. She always persevered in the face of adversity and loved as one can only dream to love. Those of us feeling her void on earth are comforted knowing that Marvelene and Curt are together again, dancing.
A Memorial Service will be held April 9, 2022 at Pensacola Naval Air Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. (250 Chambers Ave., Pensacola, Fla. 32508).
