Traverse City – Verna Jean Pickard, 87, a native of Traverse City, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 25, 2023.

Verna was born on September 22, 1935 at her family's home on Grant Street. She was one of eight children born to the late Kenneth Lester and Martha Elizabeth (Crouch) Sheldon. Her mother Martha often remarked that it took going to the hospital to have a boy; as the first seven were all girls, and all born at home.

Verna attended Traverse City schools and was a member of the graduating class in 1953. On May 16, 1953 she married a handsome young man by the name of Victor Elwin Pickard who was serving in the Air Force. His time in the service took them to Texas where they started their family. First came Robert and then Frank. Eventually they moved back to Traverse City where they welcomed Vickie and Cindy into the family. In addition to being a full-time mom, Verna also worked at the Sandwich Grille on 8th street, one of the only places open 24 hours a day back in the 60's and 70's. She also worked at the Holiday Inn as their Breakfast Chef and later as a courier for Federal Armored.

Verna will be remembered for her love for her family. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. She was also a huge fan of the Michigan State Spartans. She liked to play cards and every spring would love to go mushroom hunting. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband Victor in 2006 and her siblings Mildred, Beatrice, Corene, Norma and Wilma.

Verna is survived by her children Robert "Bob" (Donna) Pickard, Frank (Sheila) Pickard, Vickie Pickard and Cindy (Ken) Spivey; grandchildren Justin, Jon, Neil, Jenean, Nicole, Jennifer and Tonya; 21 great grandchildren; sister Doris (Robert) Hardley and brother Duane (Mary Lynn) Sheldon and many friends from Bayview Wesleyan Church and Oak Park Congregational.

The funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Friends are invited to greet the family at 10 am. For those who cannot attend in person, her service will be available to watch at www.rjfh.tv

A luncheon will follow at Bayview Wesleyan Church.

Private family graveside services will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the local Alzheimer's Association or to Bayview Wesleyan Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family.