Reflections of Helen Marie's Life

Death is just a natural thing like the closing of a door as we start upon a journey to a new and distant shore.  So let your grief be softened and yield not to despair, she has been placed in the loving Father's care.  Life on earth is a transient affair, just a few brief years in which to prepare for a life that is free from pain and tears, where time is not counted in hours and years.

For death is only the method God chose to colonize heaven with the souls of those who by their apprentice on earth proved worthy to dwell in the land of new birth.  So, death is not sad...it is a time for elation, a joyous transition...the soul's emigration to a place where the soul is safe and free to live with God through eternity.

On March 19, 1946 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, L.D. Roach and Dosie Davis Williams had the honor of presenting a baby girl to the world, they named her Helen Marie.

Helen Marie was raised in the Tulsa area and attended Booker T. Washington High School.  She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Philippi Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. McFarlin. She loved the word of God, one of her favorite scriptures was Psalms:23.  Helen Marie provided for her family by servicing the Tulsa Public Schools for over 20 years as a cook.

She had a loved for all mankind especially the children whom she had the honor of serving at her job.  She was always willing to help anyone in whatever capacity she could and never met a stranger. She had a great passion for cooking and enjoyed going to Bingo.  But nothing could compare to the Love she possessed for her children and family.

On Saturday, January 27, 2018 surrounded by her family, Helen Marie Pickens quietly took on her "Wings of Glory" and went to join a heavenly host of family which included; her parents L.D. Roach and Dosie Davis Williams along with her brother Mozell Carter Sr.

Those left to cherish her precious memories: her children, Marilyn Pickens, Sheila Pickens (Calvin), Mary Ann Jackson (Marko), of Dallas, Texas, Linda Pickens and her son Burlin Pickens Jr. (Stephanie), her grandchildren; Michele Durant (Dallas, Texas) Brandon Pickens (Alezandria, VA) Theadora Hooks, Savonte' Pickens, Burlin Pickens III, Jordan and Isaiah Pickens, her three brothers, L.D. Roach, Morris Williams and Ronald Williams, One sister Florence Ann Ford, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Although we will miss Marie's precious smile the laughter and joy she would bring to our lives we will continue to hold on to what God has promised us.  The bible clearly states to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.