Lilian McGrath

Our beloved mother, Lilian Pitts McGrath, of Charlotte, departed this life peacefully on June 20, 2013. She was born in Hendersonville, NC, on Dec. 10, 1914 to Lily Hight Pitts and Joseph Edwin Pitts. Her early years were spent in Ohio, but she and her family moved to Charlotte, where she graduated from Central High School in 1932. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” she cheerfully made many sacrifices for her family during the Depression and Second World War.

With her marriage in 1939, and the birth of her children, she became a devoted homemaker, whose cooking, sewing, gardening, and decorating skills created a wonderful home. She encouraged her children with unfailing love and support, and gave them a strong foundation of Christian faith and values.

At the same time, our mother was concerned about the world we would inherit. She was a tireless worker in grassroots politics, and was a candidate for the School Board, the Charlotte City Council, and the NC House. She was an elector for the 1976 presidential election and a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Dallas in 1984. Long after her children had graduated from the local public schools, she was still working to improve education for all children.

She was unfailingly positive and optimistic, even as her health declined. Always a lady, she was polite and thoughtful to the end. Our mother was equally happy traveling the country or sitting by the window with her coffee, watching the birds. Her sense of humor was delightful, and her stories of her growing-up years will be part of the many happy memories her grandchildren will cherish.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Houston McGrath, by her parents, and by her four younger siblings: Rosemary Spittle, Joseph Pitts, Margery Hall, and Alfred Pitts. She is survived by her daughters, Joanna Reynolds, Mary Harris, and Martha Scherich; her grandchildren, Dennis Porter and his wife Renee, Katherine Reynolds, Chelsea Scherich, and Russell Scherich; and two great-grandchildren, Serenity and Isaac.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, June 24, 2013 at McEwen Funeral Service, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28212. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral service at the funeral home.

The family wants to thank The Haven at Highland Creek and University Place of Charlotte for their excellent care. Flowers are welcome and memorials may be sent to Hillsdale College, 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242; The Bowne House Historical Society, 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11354; or The Salvation Army.

Condolences at www.McEwenfs.com.