Mary Clark Pickens

Mrs. Mary Clark Pickens age 86 of Fayetteville departed this life Friday, October 1, 2021.  She was an army veteran.  

Mary Clark Pickens, was born on April 25, 1935 in Hosston, Louisiana to the late Charity and Will Clark I.  As a young child, she dedicated her life to Christ and became a member of Paradise Baptist Church in Hosston, Louisiana. 

She attended Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana and began her collegiate studies at Grambling University.  She went on to become the first black female to enlist in the Women’s Army Corps from Hosston, La. serving as an active duty medic for four years earning the rank of E-4. While at Fort Sam Houston, she met and fell in love with her husband David Pickens, Jr. and later wed in 1956.  She then went on to complete her Bachelors’ of Science in Nursing from her beloved Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Master’s of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Mrs. Pickens was very committed to helping others through her gift of nursing across the globe as military spouse. She retired from nursing culminating in a position at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center as the Evening/Night Supervisor.

Committed to her faith, she was a very active member of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. Her work in the church included serving as a Deaconess, singing on several choirs, Beautification Committee member, Senior Missionaries Group, Pastors Aide Committee, and Nursing Home Ministry.  In her community, she especially enjoyed working with the Lamplights non-profit nursing organization, the North Hills Garden Club, and was recognized for her volunteer work with the prison ministry by the state of North Carolina.  She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and fellowshipping with her family and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents Charity and Will Clark I; her husband David Pickens, Jr.; eight siblings, Edgar, Claudie, Will, Lee, Fannie, Edward, Johnny, and Bessie.

Her memory will always be cherished in the hearts of her children, Alice Joyce Whitfield of Fayetteville, NC; David Pickens, Jr. (Regina) of Hanover, MD; and Annette Pickens of District Heights, MD.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, an aunt Melissa Coleman of Niagara Falls, NY, and sister in law Essie Clark of Fuquay Varina, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, and very special friends.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 9th at 12:00 Noon at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial with military honors, Tuesday, October 12th at 12:00 Noon at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. 

Viewing Friday, October 8th 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Wiseman Mortuary.  The family will receive friends Friday, October 8th 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the mortuary.

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