Jill Elaine Pitts Gulizia was born January 19, 1964, in San Angelo, Texas. She passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, in Galveston, Texas, at the age of 59.
She is survived by her loving husband, John, of Centennial, Colorado, her granddaughter, Alexis (Lexi) Panalis, of Centennial, Colorado, and her grandson, William Ramirez of Byers, Colorado. Other survivors include her sister, Judy Pitts Zwaschka (Franz) of Stephenville, Texas, niece, J’Nae Zwaschka Cohorn (Stephen) and their sons, Halden and Quinn Cohorn, of Stephenville, Texas; niece, Allison Zwaschka (Andrea) of Tewksbury, Massachusetts as well as sisters-in-law, Terri Smith, Sharon Gulizia, Marie Gulizia, Karen Sonderby (Kim) and Sue Schulhoff (Tony), along with their respective families. She is also survived by her former husband, James Gentry, of Byers, Colorado. Jill was truly blessed by large circles of extended family, cousins and friends near and far.
Jill is preceded in death by her daughter, Bryttani Elaine Barney; her parents, John and Patricia Pitts, and her grandparents, A.E. Pitts, Sr. and Molie Pitts, R.L. Powers, MD and Dorothy Powers.
Jill was the second child born to John and Patricia Pitts in San Angelo, Texas. The family relocated to Eldorado, Texas in August, 1968. Jill enjoyed growing up in a small town, being involved in church life at First Presbyterian Church and participating in 4-H as well as excelling in band, cheerleading, basketball and track. She was a proud Eldorado Eagle – Class of 1982. Her early friendships were dear to her heart as she remained close to so many through the years.
Being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 9, Jill developed a fighting spirit. She overcame many adversities through the years with a strong internal push and a determined attitude.
Jill married James Gentry May, 1984. They resided in Junction, Texas, when they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Bryttani Elaine Gentry. The family relocated to Colorado in 1991.
In January, 2012, Jill married her true soul mate, John Gulizia. Jill and John enjoyed a wonderful life in and around Denver, Colorado. She loved the large family gatherings, music concerts, bargain hunting and games of all sorts. She possessed a strong sense of adventure and enjoyed trying new things and exploring new sites. She was also proud to be Nana and head cheerleader to her granddaughter, Lexi.
Although small in stature, Jill lived life BIG. Her smile, sense of humor and dry wit will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
A service to celebrate Jill’s amazing life will be held at Arapahoe Road Baptist Church, 780 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado, on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
Jill’s service will also be live-streamed on the Arapahoe Road Baptist Church Facebook: Arapahoe Road Baptist Church. A scattering of ashes will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 16th at Olinger Mount Lindo Cemetery, 5928 S .Turkey Creek Road, Morrison, Colorado 80465.
Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, 2129 W. Chenango Avenue, Littleton, Colorado 80120, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.
