Shirley W. Pickens

Shirley was born on April 5, 1938 in Decatur, GA to James Allen Wages and Elsie Inez Hix. On June 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, James Theodore Pickens. She was a loving mother to Toni Butler, James Scott and Kim Pickens, and J Kelly and Matt Winking. Shirley was a proud grandmother, fondly called “Maw Maw" to her grandangels, Josh Butler, Krista Pickens, Justin Winking, and Timothy James (T.J.) Winking. Her nieces and nephews often referred to her as "Aunt Ding Ding."

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, James, her father, James Allen, her mother, Elsie Inez, her sister, Connie Beard, and her brothers, Raymond Landress and Roy Landress. She is survived by her three children, Toni, Scott, and Kelly, and her four grandchildren, Josh, Krista, Justin and T.J., and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley worked in Human Resources at Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company for 11 years. However, her heart was at home, and she ultimately became a full time wife and mother. Similar to her husband James, she had a passion for UGA football and fishing. Shirley also had a love for writing poetry, posting on social media, navigating her computer, internet and iPhone, and taking family pictures. Her favorite food was a Chick-fil-A sandwich, macaroni and cheese with a fruit salad. She was known for her kindness, generosity and gentle spirit. She will be greatly missed and in our hearts always and forever.

A private graveside service will be held at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens in Snellville, GA on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 11:00 am.

COVID-19: In response to this developing public health concern, Eternal Hills will be adjusting services and number of guests (limit 10) in attendance according to the directives of local and state authorities. The service will be streamed via FACEBOOK live.