Beverly J. Pickens, 86, of Mokena formerly of Watseka, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Clarendale of Mokena. She was born on February 9, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa, a daughter of William Kenneth and Ora Mae (Brown) Fisher. Bev married James “Jim” E. Pickens on August 21, 1960 in Moline and he preceded her in death on March 12, 2012.
Bev is survived by her four children, Todd (Kimberly) Pickens of Akron, Ohio, Susan (Dave) Mackle of Tinley Park, Steve (Lisa) Pickens of Lake in the Hills, and Kris (Mike) Wilken of Riverside, Alabama; nine grandchildren, Grayson Pickens, Cam Wilken, Laine Mackle, Grace Mackle, Cooper Wilken, Maya Wilken, Lian Pickens, Tessa Pickens, and Jack Pickens; one sister, Betty Rossow of Rock Island.
She was preceded in death by both her parents; stepfather, Clarence Messer; and two brothers, William Fisher and Michael Messer.
Bev was a member of Saint Paulinus Episcopal Church, where she served as treasurer for over 20 years. She was a former board member of The Arc of Iroquois County for 11 years. Bev was involved with Home Extension for several years. She was also a registered nurse.
Private burial services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please share a memory of Bev at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
