Gladys Marie Pickett

Gladys Marie Pickett was born in Prescott, Arizona, on December 31, 1930, to James Edmond and Gwendolyn Williams. She passed away at home on April 2, 2015, surrounded by her family. Gladys graduated as Valedictorian from Prescott High School in 1948 and continued her studies at Park College in Parkville, Missouri, returning home to Grand Canyon College for an additional year. Gladys then went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Williams, Arizona, soon transferring to the Office of Solicitor Attorney with the Department of Agriculture in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Gladys attended First Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was extremely active. Ed, a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force stationed at Kirkland Air Force Base, also attended church at First Baptist Church, and became close friends with Gladys. In 1954, Ed received an early out from the US Air Force to attend college in Tyler, Texas, his hometown. Ed wrote to Gladys talking about “Sir Galahad” had built up walls around himself. A few days later, Gladys received a card from Ed stating that those walls had finally been broken down by her love, and asked her to be his wife. Gladys response was YES! Gladys and Ed were married on December 21, 1954.

Gladys is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Edwin R. Pickett and the following children: Sharon Anne Pickett Maxwell, and husband, Steve; Janet Lynn Pickett; Mark Andrew Pickett, and wife, Barbara, and Debbie Sue Pickett Smith, and husband, David.

Her legacy also includes eleven (11) grandchildren and seven (7) great-grandchildren:

Nathan Maxwell (Jacob Stone, Taylor Maxwell)

Michelle & Aaron Paris (Kalyn, Carson & Allison)

Kelly & Jennifer Pruitt

Garrett & Alana Smith (Gunter)

Landon & Lori Smith (Allie)

Mendy Beth S. & Andy Linegar (Baby Boy due 5-23-15)

Gladys worked at Lone Star Steel Corporate Office under the leadership of Don Weeks, Phil Clark and Joe Shepherd from 1962 until retirement in 1985. Her retirement lasted all of one day as she joined Ed’s CPA firm as Office Manager. She finally retired for the last time in 2012, another 60 year milestone in her life.

Ed and Gladys remained faithful to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Sunday School, Worship and other Leadership roles at Lakeside Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

Gladys loved to serve and encourage others. She was a 66 year endowed member in the Order of the Eastern Star. She also lovingly served with each of her daughters as a Mother Advisor or in some other capacity in the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She also supported her son in the Order of Demolay.

“For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but will have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)