Obituary
Emma Jean Thomas Pitts, Ph.D.
East Baton Rouge Parish

This information generously donated to the Louisiana Genealogy Project - African American Archives by: Don Johnson


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PITTS, PH.D.  EMMA JEAN THOMAS
She was the only child born to the union of the late Manuel and Dorothy
Harrison Thomas in Baton Rouge. She accepted Christ as her personal savior in
August 1958. She was baptized by the late Rev. Henry White at Fontania
Baptist Church in Port Hudson. She later joined New Rising Sun Baptist
Church, Houma, and Greater King David Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, where she
remained active until her death. She received her education at South
Scotlandville Elementary School and Scotlandville junior and senior high
schools. She received a bachelor of science degree in office administration
and a master of education degree in administration and supervision from
Southern University. She received a doctorate in adult and occupational
education from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. She met and married
David Monroe Pitts. She taught at Louisiana Vocational Technical Institute,
Houma, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, and Southern University as a
professor in the College of Education, Department of Curriculum and
Instruction. She was active in a number of capacities. She was author of two
books and numerous publications which appeared in professional journals and
books. She was editor of The Education Focus, a newsletter in the College of
Education at Southern University. She was editor of The Gospel Truth
newsletter. She was chairman of the orientation program and assistant
secretary for the adult I Sunday school class at Greater King David Baptist
Church. She was tour guide and owner of Louisiana African American Odyssey
Inc. She was researcher of African-American Ancestry, a yearly calendar
highlighting African-American people, places, things and events in the state.
She was a presenter at national and international conferences, workshops and
seminars. She traveled extensively to such places as London, England,
Amsterdam, Holland, Geneva, Switzerland and most of the states. She was
called by God in His infinite wisdom from her labor to reward on Thursday,
Sept. 14, 2000, in Baton Rouge. She leaves to cherish her sweet memories her
mother, Dorothy Harrison Thomas, Baton Rouge; two uncles, Henry Franklin Sr.
and George Harrison, both of Baton Rouge; four aunts, Arlena Thomas Lee,
Baker, Goldie Thomas, Baton Rouge, Jessie Mae Tennent, Zachary, and Annie Lee
Harrison, Baton Rouge; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded
in death by her father, Manuel Thomas; paternal and maternal grandparents; 12
uncles; and four aunts. Visiting at Winnfield Funeral Home from 8 a.m. until
religious services at noon Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. John Montgomery.
Interment in Winnfield Memorial Park.