Deacon Herbert Pickens was born October 7, 1948, and died November 30, 2025.
On a bright and sunny morning, October 7, 1948, God blessed the late William Pickens, Sr. and Virginia Pickens Allen with twin boys, Herbert and Howard Pickens.
Herbert received his early education in Newbern, Alabama, and graduated from Sunshine High School in 1966. He continued his academic pursuits at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
In 1969, Herbert proudly became a member of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he remained a devoted and committed member throughout his life. He later advanced his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Education and Administration from Livingston University in Livingston, Alabama.
Herbert accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mars Hill Baptist Church, where he lived out the values of faith, humility, and Christian service. He further demonstrated his dedication to community and brotherhood by becoming a Mason, serving with honor and distinction.
Herbert was a passionate and accomplished educator. His career began at Newbern Junior High School, where he taught with purpose and compassion. He later served as a science teacher at Greensboro High School East before advancing to the role of assistant principal.
His leadership culminated in his service as Principal of Sunshine High School from 1992 until his retirement in 2007, leaving a legacy defined by excellence, fairness, and unwavering commitment to education.
On December 24, 1970, Herbert united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Edmonia Hunter Pickens. Their beautiful 55-year union was blessed with three daughters.
On November 30, 2025, Herbert answered the call of his Heavenly Father and entered into eternal rest. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, William Pickens Sr. and Virginia Pickens Allen; three brothers, William Pickens Jr., Jim Pickens, and Curtis Pickens; one sister, Wilma Savage; his son, Michael Long; and three sisters-in-law.
His loving memories will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Edmonia Hunter Pickens; three daughters, Herretta Pickens, Tantra Pickens, and Muriel Joy Pickens; two sons, Christopher (Monet) Miles and Kente Keyes; seven grandchildren, Rayven Pickens Lewis, Caitlin Miles, Christopher Pickens, Joshua Keyes, Lauston Keyes, Kai Keyes, and Veatrice Johnson; one great-grandson, Caden Pickens; one sister, Aretha (Charles) Bolden; three brothers, Howard (Wanda) Pickens, Robert (Annie Bell) Pickens, and Fred (Barbara) Allen, Jr.; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Clayton) Williams, Doris (Weston) Metcalf, and Susie Marks; one special godson, Melvin (Debra) Green; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Among the greatest joys of Herbert’s life were his grandchildren. He encouraged them constantly, and one of his favorite sayings to them was: “Good, smart, great.” These words became a family motto—his way of reminding them of who they were and all they could be.
Herbert lived a life anchored in faith, scholarship, brotherhood, leadership, and love. He poured into his family, his students, his community, his fraternity brothers, and his Masonic brethren with dignity and compassion. His legacy of wisdom, strength, and devotion will continue to shine through the many lives he touched.
A funeral service was held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro, Alabama, with Rev. Nathaniel Carter, pastor and officiant, and Mrs. Kimberly Skipper serving as mistress of ceremony.
