Francis Ann Pitcock

Francis “Ann” Smith Brown Pitcock, 81, went home to Heaven on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, in Mansfield, TX. She is survived by her son and his wife, Kelly and Michelle Brown of Mansfield, and her daughter and her husband, Camey and Richard Gravley of Claude. “Gramma” or “Gma” leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren – Austin Gravley of Amarillo and his wife Melissa, Travis Gravley and Parker Gravley of Claude, Jordan Brown of Hoover, Alabama, and fiancée Mary Katherine Smith, and Josh Brown and Julia “Ann” Brown of Mansfield.

Ann was born September 9th, 1942, in the small community of Edhube, Texas to Willie A. and Sallie Jo Tarpley Smith. She was the seventh of eleven children. At an early age, she picked cotton and farmed with her family. She would later be known to say, “I’m from the country but not of the country.” The Smiths attended Edhube Baptist Church and Ann well remembered several of the older adults who invested in her personally. It was evident to her the church is made up of people of all ages serving and working together for His glory. She was given the “job” of changing light bulbs, for which she was paid a dime. It was out of that dime that she started tithing, regardless of the small amount. Being a part of youth group with her siblings was the foundation of her childhood and even playing intramural games with other churches sparked a lifelong love of sports. Ann was a 1961 graduate of Bonham High School.

After high school, Ann moved to Irving where she loved living with her sister Sue and Sue’s husband Kenneth. Sue was a fantastic cook and Ann especially grew to crave her banana pudding. What was even more special about that time was meeting her future husband, Larry Brown, while both were involved with singles activities at Plymouth Park Baptist Church. Ann and Larry married on June 15th, 1962, at Plymouth Park with Ann wearing a wedding dress made by her mother. The couple made Irving their home and began their family there.

Ann and Larry felt called to be part of a start-up mission church of Plymouth Park, which over the years changed locations and names before it became North Irving Baptist Church. It was at North Irving where many special lifelong friendships were made. Ann was active in serving and investing in people of all ages via Girls in Action, Ladies in Waiting, WMU, youth ministry & young married adults. There was no greater honor to her than being Mom to Kelly and Camey, no matter what that looked like during all the seasons of their lives.

As Larry’s job required occasional relocations, Ann supported her family in every way she could and racked up lots of stories from Illinois and Pennsylvania. However, Ann knew that Texas was where she was always meant to be and was elated to settle in the great Lone Star State for the rest of her adult life.

Out of all her favorite places to live – she especially loved their Colleyville home and the home in Granbury’s Pecan Plantation they built upon retirement. It was in both of these homes where spouses of her children and then grandchildren would come. Spending time with her family was her favorite pastime, whether it being around the table at meals, playing golf, driving around in the golf cart or even shopping. Hearing her grandchildren express their various interests to her brought Ann immense joy, and she was enthusiastic about supporting them in their endeavors. She loved a good vacation too and would take whoever was willing as company.

Pecan Plantation & Lakeside Baptist Church proved pivotal for Ann after Larry’s passing in 2006. Having and maintaining a loving and supportive relationship is one of life’s greatest achievements, and Ann was extra blessed to find a second great love in Hoover Pitcock. Ann and Hoover were married on September 15th, 2009. Hoover was a true gentleman, and they created a wonderful life together until his passing in 2012.

Becoming a two-time widow taught her to lean on her family and her faith. She was so grateful to be born to the large and steadfast Smith clan, as well as making her own legacy of joy and love in her marriage and lineage. She was also thankful for the many friends she made wherever along on the journey, especially those made at Watercrest of Mansfield and Walnut Ridge Baptist Church over the last decade of her life.

Using her life as testimony, Ann would witness to all around her, regardless of formality. Even the halls of Watercrest became her mission. “God can use anyone, even me.” Death to her, as a Christian, is a celebration of homecoming. In honor of the living who remain, she wanted to pass on the message of not leaving with regrets and tying up loose ends.

In addition to husbands Larry and Hoover, Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Dale, Glenn, Joe, Wetzel, David and Mike Smith, and her sisters Sue King and Linda Rogers. She is survived by her sister Sherrill and husband Vince Hash, and her brother Ronnie and wife Shari, and spouses of her siblings Paula Smith, Linda Smith, Billy Rogers, and Glenda Smith and numerous adored nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Ann Smith Brown Pitcock, 81, of Mansfield will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29th, 2024, at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday, March 29th, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions to First Baptist Church of Claude or a food pantry of your choice.