Janeil was born July 28, 1933, in Vicksburg, MS, to William Austin and Leola Wilkerson Pickett and grew up with an adventurous childhood on a farm in Edwards, MS, where she loved riding horses and dancing to her favorite music. She graduated from Delta State Teachers College (University) where she and her twin sister, Nancy, were cheerleaders, and “only left because they made us graduate.” Janeil and Nancy continued to be ardent supporters of Statesmen athletics throughout their lives. Their enthusiastic participation and support survives through the Nancy Pickett Dantzler and Janeil Pickett Stutts Cheerleading Scholarship at Delta State. She later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi.
Janeil married Ralph McGee Stutts on December 22,1957. They made their home in Booneville, MS, where she touched many young peoples’ lives as a teacher in the public school system. She served on the community board of Cadence Bank; was a member of the Natchez Trace Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and attended The First Baptist Church of Booneville.
Janeil was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph M. Stutts, and her twin sister, Nancy Pickett Dantzler. She is survived by her children, Bill (Lynne) Stutts, Bob (Valerie) Stutts and Nancy Stutts (Michael) Garriga; two grandchildren, John Mac (Alexis) Koester and Emma Stutts, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. “Jakie”, as she was known to her loved ones, passed down a sense of adventure and love of life to her children and grandchildren.
The Family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Germantown Plantation Senior Living and One You Love Homecare.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Delta State University Athletics Department:
Delta State Athletics
Attn: Pickett Cheerleading Scholarship
P.O. Box A-3
Cleveland, MS 38733
662-846-4704
