Thais Louise Leuschke Pickett

Thais Louise Leuschke Hutcherson Pickett, 92, died Sunday, September 11, 2011. Thais was born in St. Louis, MO. on November 2, 1918 to Ernest A. Leuschke, Sr. and Maude Columbus Cowie. She was soon followed by 6 brothers, and, finally, a sister.

Named for a former silent screen star and Ziegfeld girl, Thais Magrane, Thais was known by many nicknames over the years: Sis, Louise, Hutch, T, and Gigi (for Great-grandma).

Thais accepted Christ as her personal Savior on February 25, 1934 and lived a life dedicated to serving Him for the next 77 years. During that time, she taught Sunday School and was active in Christian Endeavor Young People for many years, acting as a missionary and a recreational chairman, member of the church choir, and Youth for Christ.

After moving to Raleigh, NC to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Thais became a member of the North Raleigh United Methodist Church where she was active for as long as she was able.

Thais was preceded in death by her parents, the late Willard B. Pickett (husband of 31 years), five brothers (Ernest, Jr.; Jean; Burnell; Morris; and Raeburn) and sister, Hilda Hunt.

She is survived by loving daughter, Cheryl Hutcherson Cottle, and son-in-law, Richard Cottle; grandson, Brian Cottle and wife Brittany Broach Cottle; great-grandson, Ash Cottle; brother Jacques (Edna); and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at North Raleigh United Methodist Church on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a reception following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (http://secure.billygraham.org/projects.aspx), or the Music Ministry of North Raleigh United Methodist Church (http://nrumc.org/).