Mary Josephine Stumpe Pitts, “Mary Jo” passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in Florence, Alabama, at the age of 77. A devout Catholic, Mary Jo received 16 years of Catholic education, attending St. Michael’s, Sacred Heart Academy, and Siena College in Memphis, Tennessee. Following her education, she embraced a lifelong calling as an educator, teaching English for 37 years at Rogers High School inspiring generations of students with her dedication and passion for learning. Mary Jo shared 53 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Donnie Pitts. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Affectionately known as “La La,” she took great pride in her role as a grandmother and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, Luke and Abby. She loved to go thrifting especially with her life long best friend, Susie. Every Wednesday was spent thrifting and relishing in the “finds” they would discover. Her collection of Annalee Dolls, dishes, and Fontanini Nativity sets is a testament to her most favorite hobby. When she wasn’t thrifting, she found a great thrill in talking on the phone. Calling her friends and family to talk about anything and everything just to “catch up.” She deeply loved her Eckl and Stumpe cousins and loved anytime they could all be together. She cherished her roots and held deep affection for the St. Florian community. Planting flowers was also a favorite pastime of hers. Her favorite flowers were anything that bloomed. Mary Jo and her husband, Donnie, were active members of the Alabama and National Rural Letter Carriers Association. She served the Alabama Auxiliary Association for 40 years where she served as Auxiliary President for two years and most recently as District 1 Representative. Mary Jo traveled extensively over the United States promoting the Association and her most favorite time was spent in Washington, D.C where she made many friends. Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Louis Stumpe and Alma Clara Eckl Stumpe, and her brother Edward Stumpe. She is survived by her husband Donnie; children Heath (Molly) Pitts and Cheron (Blair) White; brothers Paul (Cindy) Stumpe and Phil (Pam) Stumpe; Grandchildren; Luke White and Abby Pitts, and special friend Susie Barnett Haygood. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. A Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, followed by visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 2751 County Road 30, Florence, AL 35634. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, also at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Following, burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Pallbearers honoring Mary Jo’s memory include Kenneth Clemons, Paul Stumpe, Phil Stumpe, Tommy Coker, Luke White, Heath Pitts, Blair White, and Codi Stumpe.
