Granny's Life Legacy

"A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth."  Ecclesiastes 7:1

Sister Louise Brown Pickens, a lady with a great name and noble character was born December 16, 1944 in Homer, Louisiana.  The second of five children of the late Tom Brown and Maggie Lou Battle, she was reared in and attended grade school in Claiborne Parish. Following graduating from Mayfield Colored High School in 1962 she continued her education by attending and graduating from Grambling State University in Education. Never to be one that stopped learning, she sought higher education at Louisiana Tech University and Southern University by receiving her Master's Plus 30.

March 6, 1964 marked the day she became her Adam's rib, married the love of her life and soul mate, Grady.  Their beautiful love story brought four children into the world: Gregory, Rodney LaVecya and Kelvin. More than 55 years of wedded bliss was shared between them.

Affectionally called Granny by her family and those around her, she earned that name through the outpouring love she gave to her children, grandchildren, students as well as young people at church. Her quiet, yet glowing demeanor, was one that was magnetic to anyone that came in contact with her.  As an educator for more than 30 years, students that entered her classroom felt her passion for ensuring each child left filled with knowledge and empowerment. Even after retirement, she continued the work she loved best, teaching others, especially at church.

Louise did find time for some self-care, which included fishing, gardening, shopping at Dillard's and most of all studying the Word of God.

A woman rooted in the Word, her relationship with the God she loved so dearly, began in childhood at Mt. Obie CME in northern Claiborne Parish.  In her adult years, she joined the Mt. Superior Baptist where she faithfully served as a deaconess, choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Director and Pastor's Anniversary Committee member.  She took her work in The House of the Lord seriously, as she faithfully attended church, Mission meetings, Bible Study, choir practice as well as implemented the Penny Fund and made sure she tenured her tithes and offerings even when she was unable to attend.

This good and faithful servant's promise from The Lord was kept, as He welcomed His beloved daughter, Louise Brown Pickens home at 11:44 in the evening on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Romans 4:21 was fulfilled, the Earthly journey complete in the beautiful life of a devoted woman of God. She is now sleeping safely with her husband, Deacon Grady Pickens, Jr., son Gregory Pickens, Sr., parents, Tom and Maggie Brown, siblings: Clarence Brown, Susie Robinson and Fanny Mae Sanford and in-laws, Margie Daniels and Golester Merritt.

Granny will truly be missed by her children, Rodney (Verletha) Pickens, LaVecya (Christopher) Hamilton of Homer, Louisiana,  Kelvin (Wilma) Pickens of Acworth Georgia;  Rosie (Charles) Wright of Gibsland, Louisiana and Pattie (Clavin) Anderson of Athens, Louisiana; Brother Gene (Elnora) Brown of Los Angeles CA, in-laws Vanolue Tate of Berkley CA, Irene Wilson of San Francisco CA; 17 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousin, friends, church family, neighbors and former co-workers.

Rest well, sweet noble Louise, you have earned your eternal reward.