Mrs. Margie Ree Pickens

Mrs. Margie Ree Pickens

October 27, 1932-August 24, 2025

Margie Ree (Willis) Pickens, the second of three children, was born October 27, 1932 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Isaiah and Willie Mae (Edwards) Willis.

Being raised in a Christian home, where her father was a preacher, she confessed her life to Christ at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Hope, AR. Along with her older brother David Willis and younger sister Louise (Willis) Hamilton.

Sister Margie Ree attended school at the Hope Public School System.

After meeting the love of her life, W.J. “Dooley” Pickens and married on August 18, 1951, to this union 4 children were born Willie Lee Pickens (now deceased), an infant daughter, Betty Marie, died in infancy, Billy Ray Pickens (now deceased), Charles Ray Pickens.

Margie Ree later joined Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. M.S. Riley and was an usher and very active in the adult choir until her health failed. She was blessed to have 4 other pastors prior to no longer being able to attend church with Pastor James Lister being her last shepherd.

Sister Margie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, W. J. “Dooley” Pickens, her parents, Isaiah and Willie Mae Willis, an infant daughter, Betty Marie, sons, Willie Lee (Rose, now deceased) of Rogers, AR, Billy Ray (Cora) Pickens of Hope, AR.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Charles Ray (Gloria) of Little Rock, AR; one brother, David Willis of Kalamazoo, Michigan (died 3 days after Margie on 8/27/2025), one sister Louise Willis Hamilton of Malvern, AR; daughter-in-law, Cora Pickens of Hope, AR; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and new friends. After spending 6 years at her new residence at Emerald Village, Lois Wilson, Deb Carrigan, Deb Sanders and her next-door neighbor, Ms. Linda who looked out for us and her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margie, please visit our floral store.

Events
Visitation
Saturday, September 6, 2025
10:00AM – 11:00AM
Rising Star Baptist Church
1002 E. Beech
Hope, AR 71801
Mrs. Pickens will lie in state one hour prior to service on Saturday.
Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, September 6, 2025
11:00AM
Rising Star Baptist Church
1002 E. Beech
Hope, AR 71801