Pickens, Velda Margaret

PICKENS, SMITH, DEXTER, POLLARD, WEAVER, ROWLAND

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 7/1/2009 at 14:30:22

Pickens, Velda Margaret View/Sign Guest Book

MORRISON, Ill. — Velda Margaret Pickens, age 82, of Morrison, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 26, 2009 at her home. Velda was born April 11, 1927 in Prairie du Chien, Wis. the daughter of John Basel Smith and his wife Alma Rose Dexter. She attended schools in Wisconsin and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Prairie du Chien.She joined the Cadet Nurse Corps and attended St. Vincent's Hospital School in Toledo, Ohio. She served in the U.S. Navy Waves and was stationed at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Velda married Clair H. Pickens in Morrison on October 4, 1969. He died March 18, 2000.Velda was co-owner of Mr. Chipper Drive-In and Restaurant from 1969 - 1975 with her husband, Clair and was also a Greyhound Bus Agent. She attended Sterling Beauty School and was owner of P.S. Beauty Salon for 25 years, was a member and President of Rock River Valley Cosmetologists. Velda was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Morrison and President of the Altar and Rosary Society, American Legion Auxillary Unit 328, Whiteside County Home Extention, Double II Antique Auto Club, American Quilters Society, Whiteside County Senior Center Board, and AARP #2156. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include one daughter, Lisa M. (Patrick) Pollard of Fulton; two sisters, Elaine Smith of Fla. and Patricia (Francis Joseph) Weaver of Rochelle; two brothers, Tom (Joan) Smith of ElCajon, Calif. and Robert (Penny) Smith of Honolulu, Hawaii; and two grandchildren, Andrew (Molly) Pollard of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Adam Pollard of Clinton, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one brother, Paul James Smith and one sister, Madeline J. Rowland. Memorial mass will be Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Morrison with Reverend William Antillon officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be from 9 - 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.Memorials have been established for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Morrison and Mercy Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton. Death date: June 26, 2009
Published in the Clinton Herald from 6/29/2009 - 7/1/2009