Marie L. Pickens

Marie L. Pickens, aged 91, of Lake Odessa, passed away Friday afternoon, November, 24, 2006. Marie was born in Jackson, MI on June 23, 1915 to George Nelson and Mary Ann (Mason) Hatch. She had been an active part of the Lake Odessa community for many years and made contributions in countless ways. She led an active and vibrant life, even after she began to lose her eyesight in 1976. Marie was a member of the Central United Methodist Church in Lake Odessa, had been a Rainbow Girl, was a charter member of the Lake Odessa Library Board, the Lake Odessa Historical Society, and the Woodland Co-Op. She had served as the President of the Visually Impaired Persons Organization and was always supportive of the Lion's Club. Marie had been an avid golfer, bowler, and bridge player and had traveled the world. She had received many awards for her generosity and citizenship. Marie is survived by her children, Thomas (Phyllis) Pickens of Clarksville, Dr. Timothy (Mary Ellen) Pickens of Saline, Joy (James) Adams of Jackson, and Jill (Greg) Lie to of Muskegon; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ingrid Hatch of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Rosann Sinke, Susie Cooley, and Duane Yager. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Dr. George Morse who had served as a dentist in Lake Odessa, and Clare Pickens who had owned the Pickens Funeral Home in Lake Odessa; brothers, Clifford Hatch and James Hatch and nephew, James Hatch, Jr. Visitation will be held at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa on Sunday from 4 to 6 PM and again on Monday from 3 to 5 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Koops Funeral Chapel at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 28. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. The family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made to Lake Odessa Depot Museum, Friends of the Library, or for the support of the youth programs at Central United Methodist Church.