Danyel’s Life Journey
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed;
energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another.
(Albert Einstein)
Danyel Ann “Dee” (Watters) Pitts lived her life with exuberance and as a great source of energy for everyone she encountered. On January 22, 2020, Danyel made her final transformation as she began her eternal life with God. Born in Springfield, Illinois on August 30, 1975, she was the daughter of the late Gerald L. Watters and the late Mary E. (Scott) Watters. Danyel was the loving wife, best friend and business partner of Calvin Pitts Sr. for nine years.
Danyel was a faithful member of Abundant Faith Christian Center, and Served in the "Women Sunrise Bible Study, Women's and Children's ministry.
Danyel’s energy was not only a viable presence in her family, but it also was ingrained in the Springfield community through the service she rendered. Danyel was a talented and dedicated track coach who led the Southeast girls track teams in local competition for nine years. She served as President of the Springfield Striders Track Club, President of B.O.N.E., LLC Construction Company, Board Member and Chief Operating Officer of Southtown Construction Training Center, Board Member for Ball Charter School and Board Member for EPNIA. Danyel was employed as a supervisor for Triumph, LLC in North Carolina. She served as the Director of School Aged Youth for the Springfield Urban League and was also a Small Business Counselor for Justine Peterson.
Danyel graduated from Springfield Southeast High School where she was a highly competitive member of the track team and competed and won many awards at both local and national competitions. After high school, Danyel attended and graduated from Eastern Illinois University where she attended on a full ride track scholarship and was a standout member of the track team as an award winning high jumper. On April 5, 1996, Danyel became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Beta Chapter at Eastern Illinois University and was a walking example of sisterhood who showed kindness to all that crossed her path. Recently, Danyel became a member of the Epsilon Sigma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated in Springfield, Illinois and continued promoting scholarship and providing service to her community.
Danyel was a lifelong best friend and confidant for her twin sister, Joyel and sister TaNissia, a loving mother and source of wisdom for her children: Ciera, Calvin, Jr., Hope (Nahum) and Faithe (Andrew). She was blessed to be the aunt of five nieces and nephews who she loved dearly; Chelsea, Sean and King Carter of Forest Hills, Texas and Harvey and Amya of Springfield, IL. Danyel also leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband; Calvin Pitts Sr., nine grandchildren, a host of family, friends and Sorority Sisters.
But above all things, Danyel was a woman of God who had a heart for His people.
Funeral Services Saturday February 1, 2020
Abundant Faith Christian Center
2525 Taylor Avenue
Springfield, IL 62703
Visitation:9:30am-10:40am
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Presentation: 10:40am-11:00am
Service:11:00am-12:00pm
Interment
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Read More
