Betty G. Pickren

Nora Elizabeth “Betty” Garrett Pickren, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, moved her way into God’s embrace on July 25th, 2025, after 85 vibrant years filled with faith, laughter, love and the occasional enthusiastic “Go Dawgs!”

Born in Stockbridge, Georgia, Betty carried her Southern grace and charm wherever life led her. From her early days in Decatur where she graduated from Southwest Dekalb High School to her years in higher education at West Georgia College, University of Georgia (Go Dawgs) and Georgia State University, Betty was a lifelong learner and proud educator.

Her career in the Atlanta Public School System was more than a job – it was a mission. As a beloved teacher and later Instructional Coordinator of the Hospitality Magnet School, Betty helped shape not only young minds, but also young hearts. Many of her students became lifelong friends, a testament to the kind of educator and person she was.

Betty’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a member of Palmetto, Stockbridge and Panthersville Presbyterian Churches where she wore many hats – choir member, Sunday School teacher, and ordained Deacon and Elder. She loved her church communities as much as she loved belting out a hymn or organizing a Sunday potluck.

But above all, Betty loved her people. She is survived by her devoted son Wilson (Renee) Pickren; her treasured grandsons, Harrison “Will”, Zane “Max”, and Daven “Jack” Pickren. She also leaves behind her sister Pamela (Fred) Norton; brothers Joel “Bud” (Dot) Garrett, David Garrett, and Gary (Carol) Nicholson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, students and friends.

Betty was joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved daughter Nicole Pickren, her parents Joel and Beatrice Garrett; sisters Linda Kirkland, Mila Young, Linda Mae Mitchell, Joy Hancock, Joan Garrett and Janet Nicholson; brothers Mike Womack, Lewis Nicholson, Roy Hancock and David Kirkland.

She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, wisdom, and the kind of faith that moved mountains. Her memory will continue to inspire everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. All of which is wrapped up in a favorite sign of hers: The Lord God Loves YOU, but I’m his favorite!

A celebration of Betty’s remarkable life will be held at Horis A. Ward – Fairview Chapel on August 9th, 2025. Visitation will be at 10:00am and service following at 11:00am in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would do something Betty would have done, donate to your favorite charity, lend a helping hand, sing your favorite hymn loud and proud, or donate to the great people at Lutheran Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, SC where she received tremendous care.