Obituary of Donna Jean Pickens

Donna Pickens, 86, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. She was born on December 3, 1934, to the late Warren and Bernice (Roberts) Searles. Donna, a lifelong resident of Niles graduated from Niles High School, class of 1953. She married David E. Pickens on June 6, 1953 at a ceremony in Niles. A homemaker most of her life, Donna took pride in being a homemaker and a stay-at-home mother. She was active in both boy scouts and girl scouts locally. She enjoyed camping, knitting, crocheting, treasure hunting at garage sales, and enjoyed painting wooden crafts her husband made. There was no match for the love of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David Pickens Donna is survived by her children, Rick (Ginny Grove) Pickens, Vicki Mitchell, Ronald Pickens, Kathy (Tracy Doan) Jonas, and Brenda Pickens; ten grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren; a brother, Jim (Barb) Searles of Niles; brother-in-law, Don Hartman of Arizona; sister-in-law’s, Debbie Pickens of Niles, Sandy Pickens of Arizona and Becky Webber of Niles as well as many extended family members and close friends. Funeral services to honor Donna’s life will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles at 1:00 p.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Donna’s name are asked to choose a charity of your choice. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. Donna opened her heart and home to many through the years and will be remembered for her kindness.