Maurice Levit

MAURICE LEVIT, 81 passed away October 24, 2002. Along with his brothers Harry and Charles, Maurice worked to continue the jewelry business, Levit Jewelers, started by their father in 1917 in the Rice Hotel. Starting out in the jewelry business at the age of 19 in 1940, he saw the original store downtown expand to three downtown locations. It expanded further in 1979 adding five locations around the city. The tightening Houston economy of the early 80's forced the closing of the stores. Maurice was the only one of the brothers to re-enter the business. In 1985, with nothing but his name, he went back into business as Maurice Levit Jewelry Manufacturing Company with a showroom on Fountainview. He later returned to the name Levit Jewelers which he located in the Spectrum Shopping Center on Westheimer. It was there he worked until his health began to fail. At that point, finishing a 62 year career, he turned the business over to his daughter, Laura. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Levit; children, Ann Plantowsky and husband, Jerry, Jack Levit, Laura Levit, Jonathan Levit and wife, Sarah, Robert Levit and wife, Gina, Susan Hammer; grandchildren, Scott Plantowsky and wife, Joy, Todd Plantowsky, Isaac Levit, Michael Levit, Jordan and Rachel Hammer, Adam and Dakin Levit; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Jake Plantowsky; brother, Harry Levit and wife, Sarah; sister-in-law, Angel Herndon; numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside Services: 12:00 Noon, Sunday, October 27, 2002 Beth Yeshurun Cemetery-Allen Parkway, 3600 Allen Pkwy., Rabbi Roy Walter and Rabbi Jack Segal, officiating. Family suggests donations to a charity of choice.