Thyrel S Pickren

Thyrel Smith Pickren, 91, died peacefully Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Columbus, Ga. She was born March 3, 1921, in Columbus, to James “Pete” Smith and Lala Purvis Smith. For the last nine months she has resided at Lakewood Assisted Living in Smith’s Station. Previously she lived 54 years at 3907 Auburn Road in Phenix City. She was Married for 55 years to Charles Harold “Red” Pickren, who passed away in 1992.She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles Larry Pickren and Jan Matthews Pickren, of Crawford; and her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Pickren Thomson and Ray Thomson, of Roswell, GA; six grandchildren, Larry Pickren, Jr. of Columbus, Jeff and Jennifer Pickren McDonald of Smith’s, Capt James Kemper and Anne Thomson Kemper, of Bogart, and Ben Thomson, of Kennesaw; plus three great-grandchildren, Charlee, Canaan, and Corbyn McDonald, the apples of her eye.Thyrel worked as a realtor in Phenix City for 22 years, beginning at Bowden Realty in 1971 and later as a partner at Herring Realty. She loved her career and helped pave the way for future women by organizing a Phenix City branch of the Women in Real Estate organization. She was community-oriented and active in many organizations; at various times serving as a board member of the Boy’s Club, Girl Scouts, and Women’s Club. She also was one of the initial developers of Glenwood School in 1969 and served as its first PTA president and later as board chairwoman.She was an active member of Lakewood Baptist Church, her favorite activities being the Sweet Spirits Fellowship and the cross-country road trips of the all-senior Amen Choir. She would say, “I sound like a crow, but I sing with the joyful heart of a mockingbird.”

Thyrel had a natural ability to make people laugh and they loved to be around her. She had many friends and acquaintances, but a her closest friends grew from a cluster of war brides who bonded in the 1940s. These women and their spouses remained friends for the rest of their lives. Thyrel was credited for keeping them together by constantly organizing gatherings. Over the course of 50 years the group changed from a Saturday night couples supper club to a family-oriented Friday night cookout by the pool to the monthly ladies “Lunch Bunch.” Thyrel gave credit to her friends for the health and happiness she has enjoyed, especially in her senior years. Thyrel has been blessed with a long life and she has blessed the world with a marvelous family and remarkable friendships. She will be missed by many.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 19, at the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, at 3770 Highway 431 North, in Phenix City , followed by graveside interment at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Lakewood Baptist Church, 4011 Lakewood Drive, Phenix City, AL 36867, earmarked for the Sweet Spirits Fellowship.