Born in Bentonia, Miss. in 1935, Dorothy Mae Owens Pickett was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend.

An educator by profession, Dorothy began her journey in education with a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University in 1961 and a master’s in education from Mississippi College in 1973.

Married to the late Robert E. Pickett, a respected teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools, their love for students and education impacted thousands.

Dorothy retired from the Vicksburg Warren Public School District after 36 years of service and continued on as a pillar in the community.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a charter member of the Vicksburg chapter of Links, Inc., along with various other clubs and organizations.

Dorothy enjoyed gardening, interior design, sewing, cooking, and scrolling through her electronic tablet. She also enjoyed keeping up with friends and family on Facebook and watching and discussing her favorite reality TV shows.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Deborah Sanders and Ritchie (Belinda) Pickett; grandchildren, Melanie Sanders, Ryan (Ashlee) Pickett, Rashad (Bryanah) Sanders, Kiana Sanders and Evan Pickett; great-grandchildren, Ava’Rose, Jade and Layla; and a host of siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.

She reunites with her beloved husband, Robert E. Pickett; sister, Christine Shaffer; brothers, Fred, McKinley and John Owens; along with her parents, W.T. Owens and Beatrice Ellis Owens.

A public viewing will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a Wake/Rosary, which will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Lakeview Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.