Iris Laverne Pitts Farmer

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Iris Laverne Pitts Farmer, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 86 years old. After suffering a major stroke in 2013, she showed remarkable strength and resilience, persevering for 13 years with grace and determination.

Iris was born on January 22, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, to Abner and Thelma (Davis) Minter. In 1956, while in Houston, she met James “Sonny” Pitts. After a whirlwind six-month courtship, they were married on January 10, 1957. As an Army wife, Iris embraced a life of travel and adventure, creating a warm and loving home wherever they were stationed. During these years, they welcomed their three children: Daniel (Danny), born in France in 1962; James (Jimmy), born in Virginia in 1964; and Mary Kathlene, born in Albuquerque in 1968.

Iris was the heart of her family, raising her children with love, strength, and values that shaped them into thoughtful, independent adults. After Sonny’s retirement from the Army in 1977, the family settled in Brenham, Texas, to be closer to loved ones. Iris transitioned seamlessly into civilian life, bringing her warmth and outgoing nature to every community she touched—she truly never met a stranger.

She worked for U-Tote-M convenience stores and later for Armstrong McCall, delivering beauty supplies throughout the Brazos Valley. Her favorite role, however, was with H-E-B, where she worked for 15 years before retiring. During this time, she lovingly cared for Sonny through his battle with cancer, remaining faithfully by his side until his passing. They shared 33 years of marriage.

In 1990, Iris was introduced on a blind date to Junior Farmer, who had recently moved from West Virginia. Their relationship blossomed over 13 years, and they were married in 2003. Once again, Iris showed unwavering devotion as she cared for her husband through his illness until his passing in 2013.

Just three months later, Iris suffered a debilitating stroke that left her physically weakened and eventually led to dementia. Even in the face of these challenges, her tenacious spirit, sense of humor, and deep love for her family never wavered. On the very day of her stroke, surrounded by her children, she brought laughter through tears, a true reflection of her strength and outlook on life. She often said, “You can’t change what has already happened; you can only choose how to deal with it and move forward.”
Iris was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Arvie, Weldon, and Harold Minter; her husbands, James (Sonny) Pitts and Junior Farmer; and her granddaughters, Skye Schumpert, Jaio Wang, and Rebecca Larson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children and their spouses: Daniel (Jennifer) Pitts, James (Tian Xiu) Pitts, and Mary Kathlene (Mark) Schumpert; her stepchildren, David (Darla) Pitts, Kenneth (Vickie) Farmer, Larry (Hazel) Farmer, and Dianna Martin, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Cord Roberson, Megan Campbell, Allison Fuchs, Spenser Ganske, Sara Henson, Clay Schumpert, Kenneth Farmer Jr, Elaina White, and 26 great grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Iris will be remembered for her kind and caring spirit, her laughter, her resilience, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer Street, Brenham, Texas.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.