Jere L. Pitts

Jere L. Pitts, 90, of South Bend passed away peacefully at home on Saturday December 20, 2025. 

Jere was born in Friendship, Tennessee on January 23, 1935. After high school, he moved to South Bend where he completed his electrician apprenticeship and then joined the US Army where he served in the Air Defense Artillery Branch.

Jere married his high school sweetheart, Bettye Lynn Privett, on June 15th, 1958 in Friendship, TN, sharing 44 years together before her passing in 2002.

He dedicated 43 years of skilled and dependable service as an electrician with Delta Star Electric. He was also a proud and devoted member of IBEW Local 153 for over 70 years, a testament to his loyalty and work ethic. In addition, he was a member of the Scottish Rite Chapter of South Bend. 

Jere was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, he lived his faith quietly and consistently. Whether helping build Habitat for Humanity homes, traveling on mission trips to Haiti, or simply showing up whenever someone needed help, Jere believed in serving others with his hands and his heart. 

Jere will be remembered for his steady presence, his servant’s heart, and his quick wit. He possessed exceptional mechanical talent, with the rare ability to repair or build almost anything.  If something was broken, Jere would figure it out. He found purpose in being a provider, and if someone needed help, he was already on the way.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the faith he lived, and the many lives he touched. Jere is survived by his children; Mary Kathryn (Shannon) Butler of Greenwood, SC and Timothy (Denise) Pitts of Mishawaka as well as 3 grandchildren; Elizabeth, Abigail, and Nathan. Jere was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Sara (Dale) Buffington.

A memorial service for Jere will be held at 11:00 on January 9th, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Dr. South Bend. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or to Habitat for Humanity.