Opal Pickett

Opal Mae Pell Pickett passed away peacefully Thursday evening, April 14, 2011 at home in Jackson surrounded by her five children. Visitation is 5pm - 8pm Sunday, April 17 at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram and at 10am - 11am Monday at Lakeshore Congregational Methodist Church. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 am Monday, April 18 at Lakeshore Congregational Methodist Church in the sanctuary with interment to follow at Lakewood South Cemetery . \ \ \ Opal was born August 24, 1930 to A.J. and May Bailey Pell. She graduated from Wesson High School where she enjoyed playing basketball. Opal married Robert Eugene Pickett June 12, 1947 and they were married for 34 years. She worked at Kennington's, Western Auto, McRaes and the City of Jackson Water Maintenance Department where she retired in 1996.\ \ \ Opal was known by many names: Mom, Mama, Big Mama, MeeMee, Aunt Opal, Opie, Ms. Opal, Mrs. Pickett and her mother lovingly called her Opal Mae. Anyone that knew Opal knew that God was first in her life. Opal loved the churches she faithfully attended and supported throughout her life, Stronghope Baptist Church , West Park United Methodist Church and Lakeshore Congregational Church and especially enjoyed her Sunday School class at West Park and Lakeshore. She enjoyed life to its fullest caring and praying for her family and friends daily and keeping in contact with them regularly. She enjoyed reading and she loved fresh flowers, especially pink ones!\ \ \ She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert Eugene Pickett and Grandson, Chris Neal as well as 1 brother, Otis Pell and two sisters, Effie Pell and Winnie Carsley. Survivors include her five children, Wayne Pickett of Jackson, Nancy Colemen (Ken) of Madison, Ann Elam (Paul) of Braxton, Jan Neal (Tony) of Pearl and Becky Palmer (Jim) of Greenwood; Her brother, Robert Pell of Port Gibson, her sisters Ann Simonson and Nelma Pell of Stronghope and Eldean Pettit of Clinton; 10 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and good friends Buddy Rather and Gail Adcock and families.\ \ \ \ In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeshore Church Building Fund, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children or the donor's favorite charity. \