Dr. Eugene E. Pettis

Educator, humanitarian and mental health activist Dr. Eugene E. Pettis, made his heavenly transition on Jan. 13 at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Pettis was 81 years old. A native Detroiter, Dr. Pettis worked for 35 years as a mental health director at Detroit East Mental Health Community Clinic, he was an adjunct professor at Wayne State University and later Wayne County Community College. Dr. Pettis believed and lived by the philosophy “Each One Teach One” and as a result was involved in a number of educational and humanitarian groups locally and internationally including National Black Social Workers, National Black Child Development Institute, and schools and community organizations in Africa.

He leaves to celebrate his life three children Eugene, Jr., Kara and Erica; brother Louis and sisters Merle and Matilda; a former wife, Olga Pettis; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eugene E. Pettis Scholarship for Human Services and Mental Health Students Fund at WCCCD Scholarship Committee c/o Chancellor Office 801 W. Fort St., Detroit MI 48226.