Upon completing his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Terrance Lee Pitts went on to Howard University Law School and later attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee. With degrees in Funeral Directing and Embalming, Terrence established the Pitts and Sons Funeral Home with his father Alto, Sr. and his brother Attorney Orville Pitts back in 1968.
Being ambitious and once again growing restless with his many accomplishments, Terrence decided that he could do more for the African-American community as a politician than as a lawyer. In 1972, Attorney Pitts ran for the 7th Supervisory District and won. He was then re-elected for five consecutive terms as a Milwaukee County Supervisor serving as Chairman of the Health Committee and a member of the Personnel Committee and Transportation and Public Works Committees.
During his 22 year tenure at the helm of the Health Committee, the county greatly expanded its hospital services and developed a world renowned health center which includes the Milwaukee County Medical Center, Eye Institute and Mental Health Center. He participated in negotiation which brought the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and International Health Training Center to the Campus of the Milwaukee County Institution. He was an effective advocate of making excellent medical care available to all, especially those who were less fortunate.
Terrence's leadership was instrumental in securing federal and county funding in the planning and development of the Milwaukee International Health Training Center which is dedicated to the cause of educating care professionals for developing countries, particularly the country of Poland.
Following his tenure from 1972-1993 as a Milwaukee County Supervisor and dean of Wisconsin's black elected officials, he went on to become the director of the county's Department of Human Resources from 1993-1994.
Terrence received national and world recognition through his leadership in the field of healthcare in the United States, Haiti, Africa, Poland and Eastern Europe. He was a member and past Chairman of the Health and Education Steering Committee of the National Association of Counties and served as a member of the Board of Directors. He was also past corporation counsel and past board member of the National Organization of Black County Officials. He was past President of the National Democratic County Officials Conference from 1979-1986 and was a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Professional and community memberships included the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, American Trial Lawyer Association, NAACP, Y-Rod and Gun Club and St. Mark A.M.E. Church along with many other civic and charitable organizations.
Terrence entered into eternal rest December 8, 1995.
Today, his former wife Michelle Pitts is now the owner and operator the funeral home known as "The New Pitts Mortuary." The funeral home continues to serve as a beacon in the city of Milwaukee by serving its community and leading the way with professionalism, grace and dignity.