Winston Pickens

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch

Winston Vernon Pickens, age 76, of Byhalia, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and the promise of eternal peace.

Winston was born on June 7, 1949, to the late Vernon Estes Pickens and Jamie Lois Wigington Pickens of Dumas, Mississippi. When Winston was around five years old, his family moved to Whitehaven, Tennessee, where he spent much of his childhood and formed lifelong values rooted in faith, service, and integrity. He graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1967 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force.

During his distinguished military career, Winston became a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, a role that reflected his deep sense of duty and commitment to protecting others. After retiring from military service, he continued his professional career as an investigator with Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA, where he was respected for his dedication, honesty, and attention to detail.

Winston was a man of strong faith and a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Merritt Delaney Pickens of Byhalia; daughter, Dawn Ashworth (Brian) of Tallahassee, FL; son, Dustin Pickens (Heather) of Flowery Branch, GA; and stepson, Kevin Delaney, of Olive Branch, MS. He leaves behind grandchildren who were the joy of his life: granddaughters, Hayden and Sophie Ashworth of Tallahassee, FL, Makenzie Pickens of Flowery Branch, GA, Brooke Delaney of Olive Branch, MS; and grandsons Cody Delaney (Emilee) of Olive Branch, MS, and Zachery Delaney of Byron, MI.

Winston dearly loved his church, Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Byhalia, where he faithfully served and found great purpose. The pride of his life was helping to secure the church and its members, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. He had a special place in his heart for the children and teenagers of the church, who loved him just as deeply in return.

When Judy and Winston got married in 2012, Winston became a member of the church, and Winston had shared that the pastor, Bro. Oscar Geeslin, was the pastor he had been looking for all his life-a sentiment that spoke volumes about Winston's heart for faith, fellowship, and spiritual guidance.

Winston will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, servant's heart, and deep love for his family and church community. Throughout his life, he faithfully served as a protector-first in service to his country, and later as a guardian of his church family. His legacy of protection, kindness, and devotion will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know him.

Online condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.

In honor of his service to our country, the flag of the United States Air Force will be flown at Coleman Funeral Home the day of the service.