Elizabeth (Bette) Louise Pickett

After a lifetime of service to others, Elizabeth (Bette) Louise Pickett, of Sarasota, passed away on 20 July. Born in West Palm Beach, was raised in Pahokee, FL, and graduated from Pahokee High School in 1945. She served in the Civil Defense Service during World War II prior to attending Emory University and Florida State College for Women (now FSU). Bette was very meticulous, which served her well in her chosen profession as an accountant and business manager. Bette lived and worked in Delray Beach, FL for many years, working first with Mark, Fore & Strike and retired as general manager of a private country club in Gulfstream, FL. She re-located to Sarasota in 1991 to be nearer family. Survivors include two brothers, John Turner Pickett (Wanda) of Sarasota and Donald deGraffenreid Pickett of Tallahassee as well as her nieces Cynthia LaGassee, Donna Shannon, Elizabeth Gray and Linda Snodgrass, all of Sarasota, whom she fondly referred to as "my girls". Bette also left 11 great-nieces/nephews and 7 great-great nieces/ nephews. Aunt Bette relished travels and activities with her "girls." She also enjoyed golf, bridge, and poker games. In Sarasota using her background in accounting, she donated long-term assistance to elders needing help with their financial affairs and estate management. She was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Bette spent her retirement years in a variety of charitable projects: as a volunteer with F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Helping) assisting those in need of personal and medical care, with Hospice, ushering at Van Wezel Center, and as a member of bell choirs in several churches. (She labeled "being a-ding-a-ling".) Bette was outstanding in her loyalty to fellow graduates of Pahokee High School spending many hours corresponding with a broad network of friends and providing on-line encouragement to a wide network of contacts. Her commitment to serving others is symbolized by her arranging to donate her body to medical research through the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida. Consequently, there will be no funeral services, but family and friends will celebrate her life with a gathering at the Tallywood Condominiums Clubhouse on August 14, 2016 at 2 p.m.

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Elizabeth (Bette) Louise Pickett

July 20, 2016