Betty Jean (Scarbrough) Pickens

Betty Jean (Scarbrough) Pickens, 93 of Covington, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025. She was the daughter to the late Morris Herald and Emma Lee Scarbrough. Betty was also preceded in death by her husband, Olin Edgar Pickens; sons, Wayne Charles Pickens and Daryl Morris Pickens; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Douglas Bradford; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Edna Scarbrough. Betty was born on October 18, 1931, at her grandmother’s house in Ellenwood, Georgia. She grew up in Atlanta, attended Adair Elementary and graduated from Brown High School. Following high school, she met and married Olin Pickens. This was at the beginning of the Korean War. Two weeks after their wedding, Olin was deployed to Japan for two years. During this time, she attended secretarial school at Georgia State and worked as a secretary at Colonial Store’s main bakery in Atlanta. When Olin returned to the states, they were stationed in Big Spring, Texas, where Debra was born. From there, they returned to Atlanta where Wayne, Daryl, and spencer were born. Due to Olin’s career, the family spent several years in Valdosta, GA, before returning to the Atlanta area, eventually settling in Covington, Georgia in 1966. In Covington, life continued in the large farmhouse that everyone still considers “home”. Betty was active in Starrsville Methodist church, where she taught Sunday school and led the United Methodist Women’s group for many years. She enjoyed working in all types of arts and crafts and instilled a love and appreciation of these in her children and grandchildren. She maintained a ceramics business for many years, for which she was well known within the community. She loved flea marketing, collecting dolls and items for her house. She loved holidays, celebrations, and gatherings of her family. Her home and her table were always open to whoever might appear at mealtime. She loved her family, she loved her home, and she loved life. In later years, when Betty was unable to live independently, she resided first at the Benton House in Covington, and then ultimately at the Magnolia House in Conyers, GA. She endured first the loss of her husband, and then her two sons, but even so, she maintained a strong faith in Christ. She enjoyed reading her Bible and inspirational materials until it became too difficult for her to read. She has always been a strong Christian and made sure to instill these same beliefs in her family. Betty is survived by her daughter, Debra Pickens Glanton (Thomas); son, Spencer Pickens (Angela); grandchildren, Erik Pirkle (Katrina), Matthew Pirkle (Lauren), Cortney Pickens, Kyle Pickens (Brandi), Sarah Pickens, Miranda Pickens; great grandchildren, Reese Pirkle, Emma Pirkle (Levi), Kyson Pirkle, Raven Pickens; numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Wheeler Funeral and Cremation Services. The family will go in procession to Starrsville Methodist Church Cemetery for a 2:30 pm graveside service with Rev. Jerry Barrett officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to: Starrsville Methodist Church, 2786 Dixie Rd., Covington, GA 30014. Guests may sign the online register book at: www.wheelerfuneralhome.com.

Betty Jean (Scarbrough) Pickens

October 18, 1933 - February 24, 2025