Mildred Maxine Pickens

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.