Marilyn M. Pickens, age 89

August 2, 1931 – February 1, 2021

Marilyn M. Pickens age 89, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 6:48 AM – Monday, February 1, 2021, at her home.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM – Thursday, February 4, 2021, at the Trexler Cemetery in rural Newton, Illinois with Mike Knepper officiating.  In loving memory of Marilyn, memorials may be made to the   C. A. N. Memorial Foundations and mailed to the family.

The Craig Allen Nester Memorial Foundation was founded to help Jasper County residents, care givers, and family members who are dealing with an Autism Diagnosis.

The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

Arrangements are in the care of Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois.

Marilyn M. was born on August 2, 1931 in Mattoon, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Georgia (Robinson) Burton.  She attended Newton Community High School graduating with the Class of 1948.  She married Earnest Thornton "Buck" Pickens on February 3,1948, and he survives.

Marilyn was a farm wife and homemaker.  She was involved in her community serving as an election judge and as a member of the Jasper County HEA.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing and knitting.  Above all else she loved caring for her family.

Marilyn is survived by:

Husband of 72 years Ernest Thornton "Buck" Pickens of Wheeler, Illinois

4 Children- Christine Milliman of West Liberty, Illinois; Jenni (Roger) Ervin of Hidalgo, Illinois; Gregory T. (Doris Jane) Pickens of Jasper, Texas and Stanley (Tracey) Pickens of Morrison, Tennessee

12 Grandchildren – 24 Great-grandchildren and 3 Great-great grandchildren

Sister- Jacqueline Blair of Port Townsend, Washington

Several nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Phyllis Rogers, Earl Wayne Burton and Ralph "Sonny" Burton and son-in-law Alan Dale Milliman.