Wera U. Pickett, known affectionately by all as “Hanna”, passed away peacefully on November
21, 2023, in Marianna, Florida. Born on September 24, 1932, in Hacoda, Alabama, Hanna lived
a life marked by creativity, dedication, and love for her family and community.
Hanna was predeceased by her parents, Albert C. and Cora Lee Zorn Pelham; her loving
husband, Byron Pickett; grandson, Gary McIntosh, III; a set of twin grandsons and two great
grandsons as well as a son in law, John Hatcher. She is also predeceased by her siblings, Eulie
Pelham, J. C. Pelham, Marie Alford, Grace McLamore, Myrtle Shepard and Pearl Kent. She is
survived by her two cherished daughters, Carolyn Pickett Bridges (Bill) of Flat Creek, FL, and
Alisha Pickett Smith (Tracy) of Havana, FL. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren
who tenderly called her “big mama”; Tonya Watson, Letitia Waller (Garyn), Justin Smith
(Brandy), Walker Bridges (Kristen), Matthew Bridges (Meagan), and Elizabeth Russell
(Jonny); her great grandchildren, Cade Rushing, Callie Rushing, Lindsey Elliot, Blair Bridges,
Emma Bridges, Collin Bridges, Charlotte Bridges, Margot Russell, and George Russell as well
as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Hanna completed her education at Quincy Business School in Quincy, FL. She spent her
professional life as a dedicated bookkeeper with the Niagara Wire Company retiring in 1993
and in 1973 was one of the first women to succeed in becoming a manager with Sears Roebuck
and Co. In 1993, she moved from Quincy to Grand Ridge, where she became an integral part of
the community as a member of the Willing Workers Women’s Club.
Hanna was a homemaker who brought warmth and creativity into every aspect of her life. She
had a passion for quilting and crafting, creating beautiful pieces that were treasured by those
who received them. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of
Providence Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and found solace and strength in her
relationship with God. As the good book says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
In the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, “When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God’s love.” Hanna lived her life with this belief at the core of her being. She faced every challenge with faith, every joy with
gratitude, and every sorrow with the assurance of God’s love.
We thank God for the gift of her life and for the time we were privileged to share with her. We
remember Hanna not with sorrow, but with joy, for she has gone to a place where there is no
pain, no suffering, only eternal peace, and love. We take comfort in knowing that she is now in
the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, reunited with her beloved Byron. “Let not your
heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2)
Hanna’s family would like to send special thanks to the nurses and staff of Big Bend Hospice
and Marianna Health and Rehab for the love, care, support and attention given to Hanna as well as the family.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM Eastern Time in Hillcrest Cemetery in Quincy, Florida.
Condolences may be submitted at www.mcalpinfuneralhome.com
