Alice Marie Thomas Pickett was born on January 4, 1941, to the late Margaret and William Thomas. ''Ball'' was the eldest of nine siblings and was the Matriarch of the family. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was a member of the Church of God in Springfield, Tenn.
'Ball'' attended the public school system in Springfield Robertson County, Tenn., and was a graduate of Bransford High School, Class of 1958. Later, she received her cosmetology license from Kimmer's School of Cosmetology. She, and her devoted, loving late husband, Billy Ray Pickett were married in Springfield, Tenn. on April 3, 1962. Years later, they and their four children moved to Wilmar, where Billy Ray was born and raised, and she resided there until her passing.
Alice was loved so much by people in the community. She was a member of the Pentecostal Flame Church of God in Christ, where she served on the Mother's Board. She had the gift of giving and gave generously to others. Alice always opened her home to anyone in need and ensured they were well-fed. She loved everyone and had a beautiful, radiant smile with those big, brown eyes. She was not as mobile in her later years, but she kept up with her family and friends on Facebook. Alice always had kind, loving words for her family and friends.
Alice entered into eternal peace on April 4, at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Maria Antoinette Thomas; sisters, Donna, Erisine and Linda; and brothers, William, Jr. and Richard. She leaves to cherish her precious memories with very dedicated children, Bruce (Renae) Thomas of Wilmar, Ronald (LaNita) Pickett of Albuquerque, N.M., Michael (Shameka) Pickett of Wilmar, and Derek Pickett of Albuquerque, N.M.; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; siblings, Danny (Susie) Thomas of Burke, Va., Michael (Maria) Thomas of Springfield, Tenn. and Dorthea Chatman of Antioch, Tenn.; stepmother, Theresa Thomas of Chicago; half-siblings, Kevin Thomas, Timothy (Debra) Thomas, Dorian (Lesley) Thomas, Cynthia (Marshall) Cooper, Celestine (Raphael) Diaz, Cornelia (Ray) Upchurch; life-long and devoted best friend, Genelle Washington Burr of Springfield, Tenn; two loving godchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Wilmar Cemetery. There was a viewing/visitation from 4-8 p.m. Friday afternoon at the funeral home. You can sign Mrs. Alice's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
