Pat Pickens

Patsy Rowland Pickens, 85, of the New Harmony Community in Blue Springs, MS, passed away peacefully at her home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Robert Pickens, and her parents, Norris and Gazelle Rowland. Patsy was born in New Albany, Mississippi on September 22, 1940, to Gazelle Wise Rowland and Norris Lee Rowland. Her formative years were spent attending New Harmony School, where she enjoyed playing the "guard" position on the basketball team. She later transferred to Sherman High School, where she was named "Queen of Hearts" her senior year. During that time, she met the man who would become her lifelong "King of Hearts," Robert Pickens, and they were married on May 2, 1958.

Their family soon grew with the addition of Tammy and Terry. A short time later, Patsy completed her cosmetology degree and opened Pat's Beauty Shop in New Harmony. Lisa came later and completed their family of five. In the late 1970s, when personal hair dryers became popular and beehive hairdos went out of style, Patsy decided to put her creativity to use and transformed the beauty shop into a craft shop. There she taught tole painting, plaster molding, and macramé to local neighbors and friends. Because her husband was such a talented carpenter, plumber, and electrician, when she asked him to add a sweet shop onto the craft shop, he didn't bat an eye. Thus began "Pat's Sweet Shop." Many a tractor stopped along New Harmony Road so someone could pop in for a Coke and a pack of nabs on the way to the field. Ice cream sundaes and milkshakes were plentiful, and after a self-taught cake decorating class, so was the buttercream frosting.

The Pickens household was remembered by their children as the epicenter of New Harmony, and Patsy seemed to be a mother to all. Many neighborhood children rode their bikes through the front yard and played basketball on the dirt court. Everyone loved Mrs. Patsy's sweet tea. When she decided it was time to reenter the workforce, she went to work as a salesclerk for Gregory Jewelry and later Van Atkins Department Store in New Albany, where she eventually retired.

While retired, she enjoyed traveling with family, painting, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Memaw." Those babies were her pride and joy, and she loved to dote on them, spoil them, and let them get away with more than their parents sometimes liked.

Patsy was honored to be a deacon's wife and a faithful member of New Harmony Baptist Church, where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed many trips with her Just Older Youth (JOY) group. She dearly loved her church family and the fellowship they shared.

Patsy also had a special love for flowers and the beauty they brought to everyday life. Her yard was always alive with color, dotted with blooming plants as she faithfully planted, replanted, and tended to flowers and trees through the seasons. She believed beauty was something meant to be shared. That love carried naturally into her church as well, where for many years she helped supply and arrange the flowers for the Sunday morning services.

Throughout her life, Patsy was devoted to serving her family. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, especially in times of crisis or need, offering steady strength, comfort, and love. She lovingly helped care for both her father and mother alongside her brother and other family members as they prepared to meet the Lord. In the final years of her life, she faithfully cared for her husband of 65 years as he battled Alzheimer's disease, walking beside him with patience and devotion through those difficult days. After his passing, she endured two long years without him, but now they are joyfully reunited, celebrating together in the presence of the Lord.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Gazelle Rowland of Blue Springs, and her husband, Robert Pickens. She is survived by her three children, Tammy Roberts (Dan) of Blue Springs, Terry Pickens (Dana) of Blue Springs, and Lisa Russell (Mark) of Saltillo; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Danny Rowland (Christine) of Blue Springs.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the nurse practitioner, nurses, aides, and staff of Spring Valley Hospice. Words cannot express their deep and genuine gratitude for the exceptional care, gentleness, and kindness you provided to their precious Mother and Memaw.

Patsy's family will forever cherish the countless memories she created and the love she poured into everyone around her. Just as she faithfully planted flowers that brightened the lives of those around her, the seeds of love, faith, and kindness she planted in her family and community will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Visitation will be at United Funeral Service on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Noah Whitehead will officiate. Burial will be at New Harmony Cemetery.