By living with grace and faith, Jane Etta Pitt’s parents became her greatest role models.
Jane Etta Hillhouse Pitt, a beloved Springfield philanthropist, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 84.
Known most widely as the mother of acclaimed actor Brad Pitt, businessman Doug Pitt, and Julie Neal, Jane carved her own legacy through decades of service, education, and compassionate outreach.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 13, 1940, Jane grew up in Joplin with her siblings Sam and Ruthie.
She attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where she met her husband, William Alvin “Bill” Pitt.
Together, Jane and Bill built a life in Springfield, Missouri, raising three children and becoming deeply involved in their community.
Jane worked as an elementary school teacher and later as a counselor, helping families navigate education through her work with the ‘Parents As Teachers’ program.
She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Pregnancy Care Center and a gifted painter who delighted in sharing creative moments with her grandchildren.
Jane’s faith guided her life. Her passion for helping others extended globally, especially to Ethiopia, where several of her grandchildren were born.
Through her work and that of her family, Jane’s name lives on—most notably through the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center.
The Parents of Jane Etta Pitt: Hal Knox Hillhouse and Clara Maurine Bell Hillhouse
Jane Etta Pitt was born into a nurturing and faith-centered household, shaped by the values of her parents, Hal Knox Hillhouse and Clara Maurine Bell Hillhouse.
Their influence played a vital role in forming the compassionate and service-oriented woman Jane became.
Hal Knox Hillhouse was born on March 13, 1911, in Mount Vernon, Missouri, to Emory A. Hillhouse and Etta Colman Williams.
He married Clara Bell on February 15, 1935, in Madeira, California. After settling in Missouri, Hal became a longtime resident of the Joplin area.
A man of faith, he was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Webb City.
Although Hal eventually retired from his profession, he remained a steadfast figure in his community until his passing on November 15, 1976, after a long illness. He was 65 years old.
Hal was remembered for his commitment to his family and church. He and Clara raised three children—Sam, Jane, and Ruthie.
Despite his quiet public presence, Hal’s deep integrity and faithfulness profoundly influenced Jane’s sense of purpose.
Clara Maurine Bell Hillhouse was born on April 5, 1910, also in Mount Vernon.
She lived a long life devoted to her family and faith, passing away at the age of 93 on July 12, 2003, in Springfield.
Clara’s warm, joyful spirit and tireless devotion to her grandchildren earned her the cherished title of “Munner.”
Her patience, energy, humor, and heartfelt prayers left an indelible mark on her descendants.
Clara instilled a strong faith in God in her children and was remembered for her enduring optimism and kindness.
She played a critical role in shaping Jane’s compassionate worldview and philanthropic values.
Together, Hal and Clara created a home where faith, service, and love were central—values Jane Pitt carried with her throughout her life. Their legacy continues in the generations they nurtured and inspired.
