Martha Pickett

SIKESTON - Martha E. Pickett, 84, formerly of Route 1 in Matthews, died at 11:10 a.m. Jan. 24, 2002, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews.

Born Feb. 13, 1917, in Mississippi County, daughter of the late Charles L. and Stella Lorena Stalling Shortz, she lived in New Madrid County most of her life and served as a chauffeur with the U.S. Army WACs during World War II.

Her husband, Elwood Pickett, preceded her in death on Oct. 16, 1998.

One daughter, one brother and one grandson also preceded her in death.

Survivors include: one daughter, Faye Strauser of Dexter; one brother, Alfred Shortz of Magalia, Calif.; one sister, Alfreda Watson of East Prairie; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Richard Whitman, pastor of the First United Pentecostal Church of Sikeston, will officiate.

Burial will follow in Mounds Park Cemetery near Lilbourn.

Pallbearers will be: Robert Paul Maddox, Robert Paul Maddox Jr., Lester Strauser, J.C. Cooner, Danny Maddox and Tommy Maddox.