Donnamaria Pickett

Donnamaria Pickett, of Columbia, MD, was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 4, 1949 to Alfred Elam and Jessica Urquhart. Her father named her Donnamaria. When Donna was two her father passed leaving her mother, a Certified Public Accountant, raising Donna alone teaching her independence and a strong work ethic. Donna excelled academically and was very active in her early years serving as the editor of her high school newspaper and participating in many other groups including the Senior Orchestra and Senior Play. Donna furthered her education receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Hunter College and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University.

On July 3, 1990 she married the love of her life, Harry W. Pickett and for over 40 years they were best friends who created a beautiful life together while traveling the globe.

Donna began her career at New York City Health & Hospital Corporation. In 1991, she was the Director of the central office on ICD-9-CM at the American Hospital Association and in 1995 she joined CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) as the Lead Medical Systems Administrator of CPHDSS. Donna was key in the development implementation of ICD-10-CM. In March 2014, Donna became the Chief of CPHDSS, and led CPHDSS until her passing. Donna represented NCHS on various advisory committees and task forces, direct support for the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS), and served as Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for the Family of International Classifications for North America. Donna provided leadership and direction for the development, implementation, and modification of the health information system of the nation through the development of disease and disability classifications and health data standards.

Donna had a love of birds and ensured the birdfeeder on her patio was always filled with birdseeds. Her love of flowers and greenery was captured in her beautifully manicured lawn. She also had a love for music, especially music of the 50’s and 60’s.The Drifters was her favorite band! She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing home cooked meals and baking delicious desserts. One of her favorite talked about pastimes was baking cookies with her grandchildren.

Donna leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Harry W. Pickett, son, Darrel Nance (Holly), and daughters Lisa Pickett, Regina Holman, Angela Trigg. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jackie, Brianna, Brittany, Danielle, Derrick and a host of close friends.

A celebration of life for Donnamaria will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 5:00 PM at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the Pickett family.