Honorable Judge Frances Pitts

Pitts, Frances age 82, passed on February 12, 2015, formerly from Detroit, Michigan. Frances Pitts was born in Isabella, Pennsylvania on March 27, 1933, to the late Matthew and Beatrice Pitts. She became a Christian early in life and attended Beulah Baptist Church in Isabella. Frances was an active and dedicated Christian during her entire life. While residing in Detroit, Michigan she was a member of St. John United Presbyterian Church. Frances graduated from Brownsville High school in June 1951. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Gordon College in Rhode Island, Frances went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut. With a Master’s degree in hand, she pursued her passion of helping the less privileged and oppressed persons. She worked as a parole officer, group therapist, counselor and college instructor. Frances entered Wayne State Law School in 1972 from which she received her Law Degree. After a period in private practice, Frances served as a referee for over 10 years at Wayne County Probate Court Juvenile Division. From that position she was appointed by Governor James Blanchard to a judgeship in that court in 1987. She served as presiding judge of the Juvenile Division from 1988-96. Judge Pitts was not a judge making decisions in isolation; she got out into the community, making frequent visits to schools, churches and community organizations. She was active in a number of law related and professional organizations, both locally and nationally, having served on the State Bar of Michigan -Juvenile Law Section, past President of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, Detroit Bar Association-Juvenile Court Committee, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges-Board of Trustees, Chairperson of the Youth Sports and Recreation Commission, Life Member of the NAACP and numerous other organizations. Judge Pitts retired on June 1, 2004 after 17 years as a member of the Probate bench. It seems that wherever Frances traveled, locally or across the globe, she was sought out for her insight, knowledge and expertise. Just as she showed a willingness to share her skills and time, she had never shown reluctance to voice an opinion and stand up for what she believed was right. She was an advocate of keeping families and youngsters together and was always very concerned about the welfare of youngsters. Frances loved to travel, she had been to West Africa four times, China, and she traveled extensively in the country of New Zealand. Her community involvement extended to being an Elder at St. John Presbyterian Church, a mentor to a student at Nolan Middle School, Chairperson on the Youth Sports commission along with many other involvements. Frances is survived by a host of relatives and friends. A life well lived is a life worthy of distinction and esteem. The Honorable Judge Frances Pitts lived a life that made the world take notice and certainly it was a far better place because she was here. Visitation Wednesday 12-7 PM at Perry Funeral Home, 5045 Trumbull, Detroit, MI (between I-94 & Warren Ave.). In state Thursday 10:30 AM until the 11 AM Funeral Service at St.John Presbyterian Church, 1961 E. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48207. To share a memory, please use the Share A Memory Tab on this web page.

Honorable Judge Frances Pitts

March 27, 1933 - February 12, 2015