Jimmie Dean Pillow Fitzhugh

September 4, 1932 – November 7, 2020

Jimmie Dean Pillow Fitzhugh died peacefully on November 7, 2020, in Dallas, Texas.  She was bornon September 4, 1932, in Elmer, Oklahoma, living 88 years, 2 months, and 6 days.  Her parents were Otis and Lottie Mae Parker Pillow.  She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth and soon afterward married Howard Alton Fitzhugh, in 1951.  Jimmie gave birth to their first son, Howard Michael Fitzhugh while Howard was stationed in Korea at the height of the Korean War. In addition to Michael, Jimmie and Howard soon added David Jim and Dawn to their family.

Jimmie was known for her spunk and her ability to get things done. Her love for travel and world missions took her to many places, including Africa, Israel, Portugal, India and Australia. In a game of “who has the most passport stamps,” Jimmie usually won.  Always active, she headed the American Cancer Society of South Texas for several years and was a Master Gardener. She was environmentally responsible before it was a common cause, never allowing paper plates or napkins in her home and taking her own bags to the grocery. 

She loved her family well, making Christmas and birthdays special for each of her three children and six grandchildren.  The “Big Six,” as the grandchildren were known, were treated to Grandkids Camp each summer.  Howard and Jimmie would load the crew and head to fun places for an entire week.  After Howard’s death, “Nannie” continued to travel with the grandchildren, making two trips to Hawaii to celebrate their high school graduations.  She also accompanied David & Susan Fitzhugh on an around-the-world trip.

After stops in Fort Worth, Perryton, Alief, Vanderbilt and Tilden, Texas, she and Howard lived in Marlin, Texas, for many years where they restored a century-old home, often entertaining their friends and family. Her creative talents combined with Howard’s building trades skills made a productive team.  She lived out her faith and her love for Jesus in many ways. Her compassion for needy people was a testament to her faith.  After Howard died in 1996, Jimmie moved to Longview to be nearer to family.  She immediately joined First Baptist Church where she made many friends and was active in the missions programs for the women and children of the church. As Alzheimer’s disease began to cloud her memory, she moved to Buckner Westminster Place where she was lovingly cared for in her final years. 

Jimmie was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Howard Fitzhugh, her parents, Otis Leo & Lottie Pillow and her brother, Otis Leo, Jr.  Her sister, Jane Ann Mitchell survives her. 

She is survived by her children:  Michael Fitzhugh (Linda) of Carrollton, David Fitzhugh (Susan) of South Africa, and Dawn Fitzhugh Davison (Don) of Houston. Her beloved grandchildren are Ryan Fitzhugh (Melissa) of Grapevine, Texas; Jill Davison of Kingwood, Texas; Matthew Fitzhugh of Houston, Texas; Stacey Davison Kee (Buddy) of Kingwood, Texas; Blair Fitzhugh Freshwater (Stephen) of Richardson, Texas and Emily Fitzhugh Fernandez (Jose) of Palmyra, Virginia.

Her great-grandchildren are:  Griffin, Jasper and Reed Fitzhugh of Grapevine, Texas; Bailey and Carson Kee of Kingwood, Texas; Graham and Walker Freshwater of Richardson, Texas; and Elijah, Silas and Elena Fernandez of Palmyra, Virginia.

The family is grateful to Buckner Westminster Place in Longview, Texas, and especially to Charlotte Wise who extended loving care to her in The Harbor.  We are also grateful to her granddaughter, Blair Fitzhugh Freshwater, for her compassionate help in navigating Jimmie’s final weeks of care and for loving her in her final earthly hours at Signature Pointe in Dallas, Texas.

No services are planned at this time.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the World Missions Fund at First Baptist Church, Longview, Texas.