THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARIE VIRGINIA PICKETT
"For I am now ready to be offered, and time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:6-8
A faithful and endearing life came to an end on Thursday July 19,2018 when the Lord called Marie Virginia Pickett home to rest. Marie Virginia Pickett Smith was born June 9, 1942 to the parentage of the late Olander Smith and Frances Smith, Sr. She was the third of eight siblings She relocated to Washington, D.C. and lived with her brother Herman, his wife Louise, their two children, Lucinda and Angela while she settled. She later married the love of her life, the late Herman Pickett.
She confessed Christ at the young age and was baptized at St. John the Baptist Church in Dorseyville, Louisiana. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., she joined Bible Way and later served under her brother's leadership at Old Way Baptist Church. Marie continued her spiritual journey at Shining Star Freewill Baptist Church as a faithful and dedicated deaconess; she humbly served as Mother of the Church. Mother Marie Pickett supported the youth ministry and all other church ministries and activities. Mother Marie Pickett loved her church and would often spend her Sundays in service and traveling with her Pasror and church family. She especially enjoyed preparing her southern dishes for her church family. When on program she involved everyone from Maryland to Louisiana to help her prepare for her special readings.
Marie was educated in the Iberville Parish School System and was a graduate of Iberville High School Class of 1960. Marie retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs with 22 years of service and a retired sales associate at Marshall's.
Marie was affectionately known as "RitaBee" by her family and close friends. Her favorite pastimes included going to see the latest movies, dining out with family and friends, and bus trips to Philadelphia for plays. After retirement. "RitaBee" would travel back home to Louisiana and enjoy time with family and life long friends. She enjoyed spending time and making memories with her great-nieces and nephews: Octavia, KeyAnna, Mark, Jacqueline, Matthew, Marcell, Amezi, Dontae, Aaniyah, Samantha, Damarius and Terrance.
She touched many lives. Her legacy and memories shall be forever cherished by two brothers: M. Olander (Gloria) Smith, Atlanta, GA. Michael J. Smith Sr. Dorseyville,LA: two sisters; Carolyn (Jesse) Wilson and Sheryl (Harold) Mellieon, both of Plaquemine, LA. best friend and sister-in-law, Louise Smith, Washington, D.C. , sister-in-law Josephine Smith, Atlanta, GA; three godsons; Reginald Gales, Sr. , Dorseyville, LA. and two whom she helped rear, Lorenzo Marks, Washington, D.C. and Darryl (Geraldine) Marks, Dale City, VA; two goddaughters; Latoya Coates, MD. Francesca (Abdalla) M. Mellieon-Williams, Gonzales,LA; two nieces, who were like daughters; Lucinda Martin, Washington, D.C. and Angela (Friday) Smith, Gaithersburg, MD; a close and devoted family friend Frances Fredrick and son Aaron; stepdaughter; Yvonne Ballard, VA. and stepson,Nelson (Barbara) Rochelle of Cleveland, TX: four brothers-in-law; Freddie (Jacqueline) Pickett. Curry (Liza) Pickett. both of MD. Victor Pickett, and Max Pickett both of NY; sister-in-law, Deloise (Carlton) Johnson, sister-in-law, Lorraine Pickett, VA. a very dear sister-in-law and friend, Margie Pickett; seven grandchildren; a close friend Oralee Proctor; a niece and nephew she helped rear, Fatima Khadijah Reid and Charles Edward Muhammad and a hast of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly in her own way.
She was preceded in death by her parents Olander Smith, Sr. and Frances Reed Smith; her husband, Herman Pickett; two brothers; Rev. Herman Smith and Charles Smith; one sister; Shirley Smith.