Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Thompson Pickens, 87, of 1008 Cass Street in Statesville, N.C., was born in Iredell County on October 18, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Isaac Thompson Sr. and Wilhelmina Harris Thompson. She departed this life on Tuesday July 6, 2021, at her residence.

Mary was married to Alex Kerr Pickens, who preceded her in death. Her great grandmother, Lizzie Harris; a brother, Isaac Thompson Jr.; a grandson, Jamil Curran Pickens; and sons-in-law, Glen Smyers, Toney Henry and Julius Brown Jr. also preceded her in death.

Mary retired from Carolina Mills Textile Company. She was also employed at Shaffer’s Chair Company, bottoming chairs, and Morningside High School as a custodian. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church, Statesville. When not in Statesville, her home away from home was Interdenomination of Faith, Church of the Living God Inc. in Leesville, La.

Mary leaves to cherish the memory of her life her daughters, Harriett L. Smyers of Statesville, Hazel Niblock Brown of Dalzell, S.C., Alexis Henry of Statesville, and Angela (Eddie) Lovely of DeRidder, La.; her grandchildren, Eric L. Pickens, Jewell (Menchie) Henry and Andre Lovely; one great grandchild, Sherry Rainer; one sister, Elvira Smith of Charlotte; God daughter, Shirley Walker Stevenson of Charlotte; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Special daughters and sons who were there when she called are Sandra Holland, Cathy Dalton Cornelius, Debra Stamps, Nathaniel Bellamy, Isaiah Satterfield Jr., Marcus Byers, Brian Stevenson, Darryl Davidson and Michael Sharpe.

Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at First Baptist Church, 464 Garfield Street, Statesville. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. J. W. Brunson officiating.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Thompson Pickens, 87, of 1008 Cass Street in Statesville, N.C.,was born in Iredell County on October 18, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Isaac Thompson Sr. and Wilhelmina Harris Thompson. She departed this life on Tuesday July 6, 2021, at her residence.

Mary was married to Alex Kerr Pickens, who preceded her in death. Her great grandmother, Lizzie Harris; a brother, Isaac Thompson Jr.; a grandson, Jamil Curran Pickens; and sons-in-law, Glen Smyers, Toney Henry and Julius Brown Jr. also preceded her in death.

Mary retired from Carolina Mills Textile Company. She was also employed at Shaffer’s Chair Company, bottoming chairs, and Morningside High School as a custodian. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church, Statesville. When not in Statesville, her home away from home was Interdenomination of Faith, Church of the Living God Inc. in Leesville, La.

Mary leaves to cherish the memory of her life her daughters, Harriett L. Smyers of Statesville, Hazel Niblock Brown of Dalzell, S.C., Alexis Henry of Statesville, and Angela (Eddie) Lovely of DeRidder, La.; her grandchildren, Eric L. Pickens, Jewell (Menchie) Henry and Andre Lovely; one great grandchild, Sherry Rainer; one sister, Elvira Smith of Charlotte; God daughter, Shirley Walker Stevenson of Charlotte; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Special daughters and sons who were there when she called are Sandra Holland, Cathy Dalton Cornelius, Debra Stamps, Nathaniel Bellamy, Isaiah Satterfield Jr., Marcus Byers, Brian Stevenson, Darryl Davidson and Michael Sharpe.

Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at First Baptist Church, 464 Garfield Street, Statesville. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. J. W. Brunson officiating.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.