Carolyn R. Pickett

Carolyn R. (Willits) Pickett, 66, Arcadia, died Monday, April 14, 2008, at her residence following a courageous battle with heart disease.
She was born on January 26, 1942, in Anderson, Indiana to John B. and Mildred (Graham) Willits. She graduated from Lapel High School in 1960 then attended Nursing School at Ball State University, and studied Business Administration at Indiana Business College. In 1962, she married Kenneth K. Pickett, her husband of 45 years.
Carolyn was a member of the Lapel Methodist Church through her youth and early adult years where she was active in youth fellowship and played the organ on Sunday mornings. In later life, she became a member of Saint Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church in Indianapolis and has been very active in her faith. In 1982, a devastating automobile accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, but her disability did not stop her. With five children and a grandchild to care for, Carolyn courageously picked herself up and moved through life with grace, courage, and a never-ending love for those around her. She home schooled three of her children and their accomplishments prove that she was also a great teacher.
She worked as Customer Service Representative for CENTURY 21 Realty Group Companies and for National Realty Systems serving their customers nationwide. Carolyn also founded an online company, Rosaries for Our Lady where she produced beautiful, custom designed rosaries handcrafted from semi-precious gemstones supplied through Gods generous creation.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth K. Pickett, her mother, Mildred Graham Willits of Anderson, two daughters, Lesli K. Handwork (husband, Mitch) of Lapel, and Lori K. Matlock of Arcadia; three sons, Robert C. Pickett (wife, Judy Kemp) of Fishers, Jonathon K. Pickett (wife, Christine) of Sheridan, and Christopher J. Pickett of Cicero; ten grandchildren, Erik, Rachael, Jacob, Alyxzander, Rebecca, and Anastazya Handwork, Sarah Martin (husband, Steve), Karah and Codi Matlock, Maris Kemp; three great-grandchildren, Cayden and Connor Matlock, and Caleb Martin; one sister, Marjorie Willits Patterson of Anderson; two aunts; many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday at Saint Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church 1117 Blaine Avenue, Indianapolis with Father Sidney Sidor officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Lapel.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm Tuesday at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel where a Parastas memorial service will be held at 7:30 pm.
The family would like to thank everyone for all of your prayers and support through these hard times and they would also like to thank the staff of the Community Hospice Association for their help and support.

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