Mary Ella Pickett

Born August 29, 1943, in Drew, Mississippi, to Leroy and Nannie Lou (Banks) Jackson. Mary and the Jackson family relocated to Peoria when she was 5 years old. She was a graduate of Woodruff High School. Mary was joined in holy matrimony to Lott Pickett, Jr, in Peoria on December 5, 1964, and the couple enjoyed 47 years of marriage.

Mary was known for her unwavering faith, her love for her family, and her infectious laughter.

Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a founding member of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, which was formed in her home when she was a child. Mary was a true woman of God who loved the Lord with all of her heart. She made sure that her four children knew God and didn’t hesitate to discuss His Goodness, Grace, and Mercy to anyone who’d listen. She faithfully served the Lord and His Church as an Usher and Missionary worker, but was most known for her dedication as a member of the church’s Kitchen Committee, where folks raved about “Sister Mae Ella’s” greens, cornbread, and apple salad.

Mary worked as a CNA at Proctor Hospital before dedicating years of service as a housekeeper at the Caterpillar Administration Building, retiring on July 1, 2007.

Mary is survived by two sons, Blair and Lott lll Pickett; two daughters, Jolonda Pickett Young and Kertrina (Elmer) Dickerson; 12 grandchildren, including Brittney Pickett, whom she reared; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; 7 sisters—Hattie (Plummer) Williams, Bernice Hollingsworth, Darlene Jackson, Arie (John) Stenson, Jeanette Owens, and Dawnette Jackson; 4 brothers—Leroy, Oscar (Renita), Charles, and Kenny (Annette); 1 brother in law, Moses Pickett, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

A graveside burial will take place at Springdale Cemetery on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 am, where she will be reunited with her loving husband.