Lowan Pritchett-Pitt, college dean
Lowan Pritchett-Pitt, 66, of Camden went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Milford under tender Hospice care after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lowan was born April 4, 1952, in Harrington to the late Eldred and Edith Pritchett. After completing her private schooling at Pine Forge Academy in Pine Forge, Pa., she earned a bachelor of science degree in business education from then-Delaware State College in 1977, and later earned a master of science degree in human resources management in 1990 from then-Wilmington College. At the time of her illness, she had nearly completed her doctorate degree in organizational leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Higher education would be her calling in life, spanning a 24-year career of noble service to those who would become future leaders and professionals. Fifteen of those years were spent at her undergraduate alma mater where her service tenure spanned Delaware State College's transformation to Delaware State University. After beginning there in 1991 as an assistant to the vice president for student affairs, she was promoted in 1995 to director of program development and one year later to administrator for student affairs. In 1998, Lowan was elevated to assistant vice president for student affairs. In 2004, her responsibility once again expanded to become the assistant vice president and dean for student life.
During her tenure at Delaware State University, Lowan was honored with the Student Government Association's Commissioner's Award and the DSU Outstanding Administrative Service Award, both in 2002. She served on numerous Delaware State University committees, and a number of existing Delaware State University student-focused programs were launched under her leadership, including the establishment of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the Living-Learning Community programming in residential housing, as well as the development of the Student Code of Conduct.
In 2010, she began a new administrative chapter at South Carolina State University where she served for two years as the assistant vice president and dean of students. Lowan culminated her higher education career at the Central State University in Ohio, where she became the interim vice president for student affairs and later the dean of students and academic support up until her retirement in June 2015.
Lowan served actively on many boards, committees and organizations, including the National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators and Professionals, the American Association for Higher Education, the American Council on Education, the Rotary Club International of Dover, and the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Xenia, Ohio. She was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Lowan had a zest for living and enjoyed the finer things in life. She was a beautiful, classy, sophisticated lady who was always impeccably dressed from head to toe. She had an eloquent flair and extensive impressive vocabulary.
She was vivacious, poised and confident with a winning smile. She enjoyed laughing and socializing with her wide circle of friends. She was a good listener who could be depended upon to provide honest compassionate insight, with sensitive understanding. While she was a beautiful and stylish person, she was very approachable, down to earth and never unkind to anyone. She was a Christian who truly loved the Lord and was strong in her faith.
She loved her family and her friends. However, her greatest loves were her children and her grandchildren, whom she adored, and to whom she was greatly devoted.
She enjoyed singing, teaching aerobics, staying fit, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the First Millsboro Seven Day Adventist Church where she was appointed Singles Ministry leader prior to her health taking a turn for the worse.
In addition to her parents, Lowan was also preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her son Nolan Street II; her daughter India Street; and her four grandchildren Kyleigh, Kaelyn, London and Daniela. She is also survived by two brothers Eldred Pritchett Jr. (Myrna) and Samuel Pritchett (Desiree); and two sisters Josephine Pritchett and Ethel Norwood (Mervin); as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed, tremendously.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 7, at Delaware State University in the Education Humanities Theatre (EH Building) at 1200 N Dupont Hwy., Dover. Family and friends may visit two hours prior. The interment will follow at the First Millsboro Seventh Day Adventist Church, 30007 Cordrey Road, Millsboro. Funeral arrangements are by Bennie Smith Funeral Home. Any contributions may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/lowan-pitt. To offer words of comfort, or sign the guest book, visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional service entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
