Effie June Lovitt

Effie June Lovitt, born on July 3, 1937, in LaFollette, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at the age of 87. A cherished homemaker and beloved matriarch, Effie dedicated her life to her family and created a warm and loving home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she resided for many years.

Effie is survived by her two sons, Brad (Karen) Lovitt and Bryon (Kimberly) Lovitt, along with her adoring grandchildren: Mitchell Smitty, Maggie Lovitt, Mindy Lovitt, Matt Lovitt, and Michael (Rebekah) Beckman. She will also be deeply missed by her great-grandchildren, Kali Espel, Noah Fissel, Parker Fissel, and Gage Beckman. Each family member holds treasured memories of a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought joy to countless moments together.

Effie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose McKinney, her husband of 46 years, Wadely Lovitt, her daughters, Delon Rose Lovitt and Denise Williams, and her siblings Naomi Sharp, Bill McKinney, and Thurman McKinney.

Effie will be remembered not only for her famous brisket and delectable homemade biscuits but also for her artistic spirit. She loved painting the woodworks that her late husband crafted and found joy in quilting. Adventure was also in her heart; Effie especially loved traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina, and exploring the beautiful lighthouses of New England. She had her roots in Tennessee, where she often returned to enjoy the comforts of home and family.

Throughout her life, Effie fostered strong family ties, camping trips, cookouts, and lively reunions that stemmed from her big birthday celebrations. She was a steadfast supporter of her grandchildren, often seen picking them up from the bus stop with a warm smile, ready to spend quality time together. Holidays were a particularly special time for Effie, filled with love, laughter, and cherished family traditions.

In her quieter moments, Effie enjoyed solving puzzles and indulging in her favorite soap opera, “Days of Our Lives.” Her unyielding love for family and joyful spirit will always reside in the hearts of those she touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Effie’s life during her funeral on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, 45231. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm, leading to a graveside service at 1:00 pm in the Garden of Masonic.

As we gather to honor Effie’s life and legacy, we remember her love, warmth, and unwavering commitment to family. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in our hearts forever.