Claire Sanford Pitts, age 79, of Sheffield, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Claire was born on August 15, 1947 in Sheffield where she lived most of her life. As a girl she developed lasting friendships and gained a sense of adventure through Girl Scouts which remained throughout her life.
After graduating from Sheffield High School, she attended the University of Alabama where she met her husband, Newt Pitts. They returned to the Shoals where Claire finished her degree at the University of North Alabama. Claire was committed to making a difference in her community. She began her teaching career at Southeast Elementary in Sheffield and became one of the first women elected to serve on the Sheffield City Council. Soon after she and Newt welcomed their daughters, Elizabeth and Barbara.
Claire was a passionate educator, excellent baker, competitive card player (she loved bridge!), and was always ready to plan her next trip. Her sense of adventure led her to leave Sheffield in retirement and relocate to Decatur, Georgia where she spent the later years of her life.
Claire always sought to see the best in people. Her compassion and dedication to her family and friends guided her life and fun loving spirit. She was resilient through tragedies she encountered and often remarked that despite the sadnesses in her life she always knew she had much to be grateful for. Her compassion and concern for others led her to offer her brain for Alzheimer’s research with the hope of helping others.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Cook (Robin); son, Nickolas Pitts; brother, Ian Sanford; and a host of nieces and nephews who will all miss her immensely.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Newton “Newt” Pitts; daughter, Elizabeth Pitts; parents, Diana Sanford and William Edward “Bill” Sanford, Jr. and siblings, Carol Fentriss and Randy Sanford.
The family will host a reception to honor Claire’s life and share memories of her on Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Logan Room in Sheffield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CaringPlace of the Shoals, Sheffield Education Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
