Elder Terence A. Pitchford, Sr.

Elder Terence A. Pitchford Sr. was born on February 16, 1961, in East Elmhurst, New York, to the late Evangeline Clark and Kenneth Pitchford. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evangeline Clark-Hayes and Kenneth Pitchford; Grandparents, Bishop James I. Clark Sr., Rachel Clark, Mamie Pitchford and Arthur Pitchford; father and mother-in-law, Elder James and Theresa Moran; sister, Kim Pitchford; uncles, Samuel Clark, Benjamin Clark, Joseph Clark and Hubert Clark; aunts, Albertha Thomas, Henrietta Clark and Francis Clark.

Raised in The Bronx, Elder Pitchford attended John F. Kennedy High School within the New York Public School System. He furthered his education through studies at Queens College, Manhattan Bible Institution, The William L. Bonner Bible College, and the Institute of Basic Youth Conflict.

On June 4, 1976, under the leadership of Apostle Dr. James I. Clark Jr., Elder Pitchford received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Christ Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. in New York, New York. His passion for ministry began early, as he started ministering to the youth at Christ Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. in 1977. He answered the call to preach on April 19, 1979, dedicating his life to serving God and uplifting His people.

From 1981 to 1985, Elder Pitchford faithfully served as Junior Pastor at Beulah Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the leadership of Apostle Wilbur L. Jones, Sr. He later served as Supply Pastor from 1985 to 1986 at Refuge Temple COOLJC. In August 1986, Elder Pitchford was ordained as an Elder and appointed Pastor of Refuge Temple COOLJC Knoxville, TN, where he faithfully shepherded the congregation from 1986 to 2006. Under the leadership of Elder Terence Pitchford, Linda Watson became the first member of Refuge Temple COOLJC Knoxville, TN, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

On June 22, 1985, Elder Terence Pitchford married the love of his life, Nola T. Moran. Together they built a loving family and shared 40 years of marriage. From this union, they were blessed with five children and three grandchildren.

Continuing his commitment to ministry and spiritual leadership, in 2006 Elder Pitchford became the founder and pastor of Till Christ Be Formed in You Ministries, where he continued to impact countless lives through preaching, teaching, mentorship, and unwavering faith.

In addition to his ministry, Elder Pitchford dedicated many years of service to the airline industry. From 1993 to 2008, he worked at Tyson McGhee Airport for several major airlines, including North West Airlines, Delta, US Air, and American Airlines. Through his work, he formed lasting relationships and was known for his professionalism, kindness, and servant’s heart.

In addition to his dedication to ministry and family, Elder Pitchford enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, traveling, music, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he encountered. His life reflected compassion, wisdom, and a sincere love for God and people.

Elder Pitchford will be remembered as a devoted servant of God, faithful pastor, loving husband and father, and a man whose life reflected compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His legacy of ministry, leadership, and love for God’s people will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Elder Pitchford is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Nola T. Moran Pitchford; five children, Terence Pitchford Jr., Christopher Pitchford, Micah Pitchford, Taylor (William Jr.) Mathis, and Kelsey Pitchford; three grandchildren, Journey Pitchford, Grayson Pitchford, and Oaklynn Mathis. He is also survived by his sister, Monique Crawford; brothers-in-law, Fred (Cynthia) Moran and Philip Moran; uncle, Apostle Dr. James I. (Shirley L.) Clark Jr.; aunts, Mary Pillors, Lois Clark, Yvette Conyers-Mayers; longtime devoted friends, Bishop Kelvin and Evangelist Cash and family; and a host of clergy, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Elder Pitchford also leaves to celebrate his life his beloved congregation, Till Christ Be Formed in You Ministries of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12:00 noon at the Children of GOD Ministries, 309 Deaderick Ave; Knoxville, TN 37921 where Superintendent Phillip D. Hamilton is Pastor and Apostle James I. Clark, Jr, will be rendering the Eulogy.

The final resting place will be at the Sherwood Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. A dove release will conclude in his honor.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com