Jane Pitt, a former educator, counselor and advocate for children, has died at age 84. She was also the mother of actor Brad Pitt, Springfield businessman Doug Pitt and Julie Neal.

She worked as a school counselor early in life. Later, she and her husband, William, became involved in charitable efforts, particularly in support of children. The family’s $1 million donation in 2009 led to the establishment of the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital. The center is affiliated with St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Jane Etta Hillhouse Pitt was born on August 13, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. On August 5, 2025, Jane passed away at the age of 84—just six days before what would have been her 63rd wedding anniversary and a week before her 85th birthday.

Jane grew up in Joplin with her brother Sam and sister Ruthie, who both preceded her in passing.

She later attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where, as a cheerleader, she met a basketball player named William Alvin “Bill” Pitt. Neither agreed on who it was that literally bumped into whom in the library, but the encounter was planned by at least one of them. They were married on August 11, 1962.

After their wedding, Jane and Bill lived in Oklahoma and St. Louis before settling in Springfield, Missouri. Jane and Bill raised three children in Springfield. Brad Pitt, Doug Pitt, and Julie Neal (née Pitt).

Jane’s early career was as an elementary school teacher. She poured her energies into raising her kids and after they were grown, supporting families as one of the original ‘Parents As Teachers’ for the Springfield Public School System. She empowered parents through helping them navigate their children’s academic and social development journeys. Jane was also a longtime volunteer at the Pregnancy Care Center in Springfield.

Jane was an accomplished artist, with paint being her primary medium. Some of her most special times were doing craft projects and painting lessons with her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was her role as Grammy to her fourteen grandchildren. The years of ‘Your Special Day’ of one-on-ones with each grandkid are some of their fondest memories.

Ethiopia, Africa held a special place in her heart as three of her grandchildren were born there. Jane treasured her time in Ethiopia, helping the communities of her family. Particularly poignant are the projects in Korah, a distressed area of Addis Ababa. She shared this love with her granddaughters who are currently developing projects in Ethiopia.

She attended Ridgecrest Baptist Church and never wavered in her faith and commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Pitt of Springfield; son Brad Pitt of Los Angeles, and kids Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, Knox, and Vivienne; son Doug Pitt and his wife Lisa, of Springfield, and kids Landon (Venice Beach, CA), Sydney (Austin, TX), and Reagan Pitt- Argaez and husband Niko (Chicago, IL); daughter Julie Neal and husband Rob of Springfield, and kids Caleb and wife Megan (Springfield, MO), Josie Williams and husband John (Charlotte, NC), Rylie Neal (Springfield, MO), Caden Neal, and Cruz Neal.

The Pitt family are eternally grateful to Kamron Liepins and the Phoenix Home Health staff. Kamron was the angel Jane needed for the past year, and no words will ever express how perfect, helpful, and special she was and will always be to the Pitt Family.