Helen S. Pickett was born October 14, 1925 in Hope, Arkansas the daughter of the late Rollie and the late Mary (Nash) McPherson.  She was born anew into Christ Jesus our Lord in the waters of Holy Baptism at an early age. After moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana she reaffirmed her faith and joined Union Baptist Church. On June 5, 1960 she was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran faith by Pastor R.C. Starenko at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne.  On September 22, 1951 Helen married Walter Pickett who preceded her in death in 2005 after the Lord blessed their union with 53 years and with a daughter, Karen and two stepchildren, Loretta Moore and Walter Pickett Jr.

Helen abided in the faith to the end of her eternal life as a member of Zion Lutheran Church, confessing her trust in her Lord Jesus Christ and hearing God’s Holy Word.

Helen was owner of Pickett Funeral Service established in 1968 on Maumee Avenue with her husband Walter as co-owner.  They later relocated the firm to Pontiac Street in 1979.  Helen was the first black female licensed mortician in the state of Indiana. She served on the Indiana Funeral Service Board for many years and was a past member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.  Helen was active in the community serving as Past President of the Memorial Park Neighborhood Association.  She was the first woman to run for Coroner of Allen County.  She was a member of the Urban Guild, Ultra League Guild and Professional Black Women’s Association.  Helen served along sided of John Knuckles and Helen Brown on several projects for many years and was instrumental in helping organize the park dedicated to John Nuckols after his passing. She worked at General Electric Company and retired from there before opening the funeral home.

The joy of Helen’s life was funeral service, her family and keeping them together.  She loved to garden as well and share the fruits of her

and Walters labor from the many vegetables they had grown.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Karen (Reginald) Coleman; step-children: Loretta (William) Moore and Walter Pickett, Jr; siblings, James T. McPherson and Doris Yerger; sister-in-laws, Aline, Mildred and Cheryle McPherson and Cynthia Williams; brothers-in-law, David, Kenneth and Thaddius Pickett; 9 grandchildren, Corey, Courtney and Anthony Martin, James Pickett, Derret, Reginald and Randall Moore, Carlyn Johnson and Shelia Pickett; 10 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, DeVeah Houston;  and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers; Chester, George, Lawrence, Oscar and Wilton McPherson and Fred Nash; sisters,

Jean Brown, Altha Butler, Catherine McGough and Alma Yerger.

Helen was called home to her Savior on January 19, 2018 living 92 years, 3 months and 6 days on earth, but alive in Christ forever!

She will be laid to rest in Concordia Lutheran Gardens

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