Darlene Pickett

Our beloved Darlene Joanne Pickett, 88, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2026, with family by her side. She was born on July 28, 1937, in Rome, NY.

She graduated from Sandy Creek Central High School in 1954 and went on to earn her degree as a Registered Nurse (RN) from Crouse Irving School of Nursing in Syracuse, New York. She was an extraordinary nurse and truly had a heart for caring for others. She kept her education and credit hours current until she was 75 and retired in 2012. She worked in four different states in her time of service.

She loved playing the piano where her gift of music went on full display. She was self-taught and incredibly talented, playing most any tune by ear and could transpose on the fly for any range of voices. She delightfully played every day and at church for most of her life. She also loved to draw, paint and write letters. She found great joy in the beauty of God’s creation, enjoying nature, watching the birds, and picking wildflowers.

Darlene loved all people. She had a unique talent for finding ways to communicate with anyone, garnering friends wherever she went. She was passionate about missions, and as a young woman embarked on the adventure of a lifetime to Haiti where she was able to offer her love and help for those in need. Later in life, Darlene was able to return to Haiti on two other trips as her heart had deeply connected with the people of Haiti. Her passion for people was something she sowed into the lives of all four of her children who have each had the opportunity to serve people all around the world.

On December 21, 1963, she would marry the love of her life, Robert Roy Pickett. Together they embarked on a 62-year journey together, traveling the landscape of time through the ups and downs of the life they shared.

Darlene was a woman of great worth and character, her faith was remarkable, and her spirit was formidable. She was gentle, hospitable, and gracious, sowing seeds of kindness wherever she went. Her presence and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and loving her.

She was preceded in death by her father Ernest Theodore Clemons, mother Nerine Jenny (Balch) Clemons, siblings Durrell “Cork” (Betty) Clemons, Donald (Sandra) Clemons, Dwayne Clemons, brother-in-law David Balcom, and grandson Sean Crean.

She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob”; their children Robert “Bob” (Claudia) Pickett II, Beth (Doyle) Berg Jr., Daniel (Elisabeth) Pickett, and Dalinda “Lynn” (Doug) Ellis; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Dean Clemons; sisters Donna Balcom and Dalinda (Stan) Perzan and many extended family members and friends.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am at Christ Community Church, 442 W. 7th St, Traverse City; followed by interment at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow at The Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City, MI.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Orphan Dream Ministry in Haiti (P.O. Box 5550, Traverse City, Michigan, 49696.)

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