Mildred Maxine Pickens
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Mildred Maxine Pickens, 98, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away quietly in her sleep on October 28, 2023. She was born on July 1,1925, in Kansas City, Kansas. She married John Pickens August 21, 1943, in San Diego, California, prior to his deployment into the Pacific Theater in WWII.
At 98, Mickey still had a mind like a steel trap. She could tell stories well back to her childhood, and everywhere in between. Although limited in her mobility later in her years, she lived at home by herself with a myriad of helpers, friends, and family. She loved her home and loved to share it with others. She still had weekly bridge parties at her house, and even played online with friends during and after Covid.
Living most of her life in Lawrence, Mickey was a Jayhawker through and through. Kansas basketball and football were often topics for discussion during the fall and winter seasons. She enjoyed being outdoors and traveling, and often accompanied her daughter Alyson on annual treks to the Rockies, and other sightseeing adventures. She never forgot a birthday, and you could always expect a handwritten card and a phone call on your special day. Thanksgiving will never quite be the same without her green bean casserole.
Mickey was preceded in death by her husband, John Pickens, and her daughter, Alyson. She is survived by her so Mike.
Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023. Lunch will be served following the ceremony, followed by the interment of ashes at Memorial Park Cemetery, at 2:30 p.m.
The family suggests memorials in Mildred’s name to Cottonwood Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Beautiful photo of my friend Mickey, weekly coffee for 36 years, neighbors at Berg Acres and lots of great memories of our life through the years. Always enjoyed the deviled eggs and pickled beets I took her. I-Have and will miss her so much including her hospitality.💐🌻
Thank you for the short time i got to share you Company,will never look at jeopardy the same Sweet rest Mrs Pickens
Caregiver Doris.
i waited on mildred for 16 years at perkins in lawrence when she had her bridge She was a very nice, kind lady
that i enjoyed seeing and talking to. sorry for your loss. She was of kind spirit all the time.
In 1957 John Pickens & John Dobbins met while attending the Cosmopolitan Club and decided their two families should take a camping trip together. Trips continued annually with both families until we “children” aged out. Mickey and my mother, Betty, were best of friends and supported each other through the deaths of their husbands and the joys & trials of family life. After my mother’s death, a call from Mickey, a hug from her after a visit was an extension of my mother….one that I cherished. The world has lost a beautiful and gracious lady.
I became friends with Micky about 30 years ago when I started doing her hair. She would always come right after meeting her friends for coffee and brought me a sweet roll every week from Panera. When pandemic hit I went to her house every week without fail to make sure she looked great.
This wonderful lady who I admired so much was remarkable. On the days my body hurt and I wanted to complain I would drag myself there only to be met by a 98 year old who was dressed, always positive and so happy to see me. I miss her more than words can say. ❤❤
I became friends with Micky around 30 years ago when I started doing her hair weekly. She always showed up with a sweet roll from Panera where she met her friends for coffee. When the pandemic hit I started doing her hair at her house. Some days I would show up with back pain wanting to murmur and complain. This 98 year old would greet me with a smile dressed and ready to start her day. I miss you more than words could ever say my friend. ❤❤
I met Mildred about 30 years ago when I started to do her hair weekly. She always showed up with a sweet roll from Panera where she met her friends for coffee.
When the pandemic hit I went to her house for her hair. She loved her home and her friends coming and going. I was always greeted with a smile and lots to talk about. I miss you more than words could ever say my friend. ❤❤
I’m saddened to hear of Mickey’s passing. Her daughter, Alyson, and I became friends when we started our teaching careers.. I visited the Picken’s home on many occasions. Mickey welcomed me with open arms and it was a joy to visit with her. She had many stories to tell and loved to play board games although bridge was her passion! Looking forward to seeing you both in heaven some day! 💕