Obituaries

Barbara Emma Pickett

Photo of Barbara Emma Pickett
Barbara Emma Pickett, age 82, passed away at 8 a.m. on December 29, 2016. She was at home with her family in Madison County, Ark. Barbara is survived by her six children; Azure Skye, Valor Pickett, Noble Pickett, Honor Ali, April Ledford and Merit Pickett as well as her 14 grandchildren; Derreck, Laurel, Tammie, Kalie, Scarlett, Micah, Hanna, Lydia, Jasmine, Tess, Jude, Ember, Onyx and Zephyr and her four great-grandchildren; Amira, Vivian, Quinton and Sona. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Barbara Emma Gordon was born on January 30, 1934 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to parents Lela Pettus and John Benjamin Gordon. She was raised in Clover, South Carolina by her uncle Foy Wilson and aunt Neda Wilson, with whom she gained two siblings, Kenneth and Sharon. She graduated from Mars Hill in 1952, where she studied music. From there, she attended Baylor University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Musical Education. She had a successful career as an opera singer for the Houston Metropolitan Opera. Eventually, Barbara took a position with the Sacred Heart Catholic School as a choir director, organist and pianist, where she taught for many years. After her time at Sacred Heart, she continued to teach voice and piano late into her life and was an active choir leader in any and every church she was a member of. Barbara was a cherished mother and friend. She married Charles Pickett in 1956 and the couple had six children together. A deeply spiritual woman, she created music and spread God's love until she was taken home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family and friends will always remember her as a kind, loving person who represented Christ in all she did. For fun, Barbara enjoyed bird watching, cooking, crossword puzzles, traveling and learning about everything from tornados to sharks. She was also an unmatched card player. More than that though, she was a vibrant woman who was deeply passionate about her animals and her family. She will be greatly missed by all for her powerful prayers, wise advice and supportive acceptance of all people. A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7th at Grace Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 2451 W. Wedington Dr., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. A potluck reception will occur prior to the celebration of Barbara's life and will begin at noon. All are welcome to attend. Flowers and donations can be sent to Lydia Pickett at 890 West Lawson St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Cremation arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.

Published January 5, 2017

Upcoming Events