Everett Jerome Pickens was born on November 17, 1956, in Sawyerville, Alabama, to Willie and Doris Pickens. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Will Pickens. He graduated from Hale County High School in 1974. Shortly after, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he began working.

Everett later enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served from 1976 to 1979, receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, Everett held various jobs before beginning a long and dedicated career with the Veterans Administration as a cook, where he served faithfully for 34 years until his retirement. Even in retirement, his commitment to service continued as he worked as a cook at Ramah Junior Academy and later in home healthcare.

On June 3, 1986, he married Beverly T. Boykin. They shared 39 years of love, partnership, and devotion.

Everett cherished time outdoors—whether tending to his garden, doing yardwork, or enjoying a game of bid whist. He was an avid sports enthusiast and closely followed Cleveland’s teams: the Cavaliers, the Browns, and the Guardians. One of his proudest moments was attending a Browns game and standing on the field in recognition of Veterans Day.

He was baptized as a young child at Springfield Baptist Church. Later in life, he was re-baptized at Glenville Seventh-day Adventist Church by Pastor Jack Morris. He and his wife later transferred their membership to Temple of Praise Seventh-day Adventist Church, where they continued their walk of faith together.

Everett peacefully passed away at home on February 15, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Beverly Pickens; two daughters, Seleah Ramsey and Shalonda Harris (Trevor Sr.); and his siblings Crawford Pickens, Denise Jones, Kevins Jones (Marisellie), and Bruce Jones. He is also survived by six grandchildren—Brenden Ramsey (Alaa), Aviyonne Harris, Mikayla Ramsey, Trevor Harris Jr., Trenton Harris, and Miles Miller—and one great-grandson, Carter Harris, along with other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Humbly submitted,

The Family