Wilma Eileen Pickens, age 89
Of rural Wheeler, IL passed away at 8:35 AM – Friday, May 10, 2013 at Newton Rest Haven in Newton, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM – Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL with Dale Hood and Mike Knepper officiating. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, IL. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Monday, May 13, 2013 at the funeral home. In loving memory of Wilma, memorials may be made to Central Christian Church in Newton, IL.
Wilma was born on July 15, 1923 in rural Wheeler, IL the daughter of William and Nellie (Tarr) Bryan. She married Arthus Clarence "Art" Pickens on September 24, 1940 in Newton and he survives.
Wilma worked as an inspector in an ammunition plant in Aurora, IL during WW II. After the war she and Art traveled and lived in many places while Art worked on the pipe line. They returned to the Wheeler area, where they farmed together for many years.
Wilma was a faithful member of the Central Christian Church in Newton and the Royal Neighbors of America. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and canning. Art called her the "Best Cook in Jasper County and probably state of Illinois".
Wilma is survived by:
Husband of 72 years – Art Pickens of Wheeler, IL
3 Children – Stephen (Barbara Jean) Pickens of Wichita, KS
Jeanette (Mike) Lambird of Lake Forest, CA
A.C. (Evon) Pickens of Wheeler, IL
6 Grandchildren – Becky Freshour of Wichita, KS
Bonnie Zimmer of Overland Park, KS
Bryan Lambird of Culver City, CA
Jill Tremblay of Rancho Mirage, CA
Abby Drwecki of Arvada, CO
Clay Pickens of Olney, IL
8 Great Grandchildren
Brother – Dale (Beverly) Bryan of Atlanta, GA
Sister – Dorothy Robards of Newton, IL
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents.