Minister Patrica ‘Pat’ Ann Pickens

Patricia Ann Pickens was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and this is her story.

Patricia Ann Pickens, better known as Pat to all who knew and loved her. Pat was born to Mary Shannon-Gamble and Sherman Gamble in Lawton Oklahoma on September 2, 1945. She was raised by Ed and Estell Shannon in Milo, Oklahoma. She attended Central Public School in Milo and Graham Public School in Oklahoma. Pat married at a young age and had four children, Michael, Ezette, LaVelle and Arvell Jr.

Pat moved to Denver, Colorado and lived there for many years where she was active in church and held the position as choir director at several different churches. Pat loved singing and playing the tambourine. While in Denver Pat was involved in and sang in two different gospel groups, The Gospel Chimettes and the Ebony Ensembles. While singing with the Eboney Ensembles they had the privilege of opening for the late Walter Hawkins and the late Andrae’ Crouch.

When Pastor Shirley Cesar started her solo career, while on tour she came to Denver and Pat had the privilege escorting her around town.

Pat was employed at King Suppers grocery store as a stocker / bagger, Western Electric, Hormel, and she was also a construction worker. Pat received her CDL and drove 18 wheelers delivering goods all over the United States.

While living in Denver, Pat accepted the call to preach the gospel under the leadership of Pastor Paul Burleson and Evangelist Dallas Burleson.

Pat moved back and forth from Denver to Oklahoma over the years until she finally decided to settle down in Milo in 1999 and continued driving 18 wheelers for various companies until she retired. She was a bus driver and a home-health care worker for several years. Pat was also involved in foster care taking care of school-aged children.

Pat rejoined Jehovah Missionary Baptist church where she was an active member until the Lord sent her to be of service to Pastor John Roberts at Macedonia Baptist Church, where she continued to serve until health challenges prevailed. In 2022 she moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be near her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pat loved spending time with her children, grandkids, family, traveling all over the world, cooking, organizing events, visiting prisons, and the sick and shut in. And no one was a stranger; she spoke to everyone. Pat wore many hats and she was a true servant of God. Pat departed this earthly journey to be with her Heavenly Father on October 11, 2025. Those left to cherish her precious memories are her four children, Michael Pickens (Joanie) of Oklahoma City, Ezette Pickens-Shepherd, LaVelle Luster and Arvell Pickens Jr. (Danielle) all of Fort Worth, Texas. Five grandchildren, NaTasha Pickens, Michael Pickens Jr., Kylie Luster, Jacy Hamann and Genevieve Hamann. Six great-grandchildren, Angel Sapphire Legan, Hope Jasmine Murry, Faith Jade Murry, Damian Pickens, Elijah Pickens and Laylah Pickens. Three brothers, Emerre Martin (Willie ), Gilbert Jones, Rickey Shannon; three sisters Mona Cloud, Toni Williams, Deborah Godwin (Ronnie). Two sisters-in-laws, Alma Shannon and Bettye Williams, along with long-time best friends Agusta Golden and Goddaughter Bettina Golden and Cynthia Johnson, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Pat is proceeded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ludie Martin, Jessie Shannon, and Shelton Williams, two sisters, Linda Jones and Alfredya Williams.