March 5, 1951 – June 7, 2019
Jacqueline M. “Jackie” Pickett, 68, Sheridan, passed away on Friday morning, June 7, 2019 surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital. Born March 5, 1951 in Portland, Ind., she was the daughter of the late John R. Hodgson and Paulette Alice (Germain) Whiteman.
After graduating from Portland High School with the Class of 1969, she went on to earn her BS in Mathematics Education, along with a minor in Home Economics from Ball State University, and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education from IUPUI.
Jackie, or Mrs. Pickett as she was known by the many students who had her as a teacher, was very passionate about working with kids. For over 32 years she taught Jr. High Advanced Math, Calculus, and Family/Consumer Sciences for the Sheridan Community School System. For many of those years she was a cheerleading coach and sponsor, as well as a dedicated band booster and supporter of the Marching Blackhawks. She also taught as an adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Ivy Tech in Noblesville for several years.
She never stopped being an educator. While her own children were growing up she spent a number of years as a 4-H leader for Hamilton County. It was always about the kids – whether it was in her class or one of the extracurricular activities she was involved in, making sure the focus was on the kids was very important to Jackie. Everyone has those special teachers in their lives that make a lasting impression; Mrs. Pickett was one of those teachers.
Jackie was a strong woman of faith. God, family, and friends directed her life. She was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, where she was very active in the choir. She was also a member of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Crafting and sewing were a few of her hobbies, but spending time with her family was by far her favorite activity. She loved going on family vacations, especially if it took them in the direction of either the Outer Banks or Disney World. She also stayed very active in her grandchildren’s activities.
Jackie is survived by the love of her life, Gordon Lee Pickett. She and Gordon were married on June 2, 1973. Also surviving are her two daughters, Kristin Rae Pickett-McClain (Bruce), Fishers, and Erica Germain Pickett-Knuckles (Daniel), Zanesville Ohio; seven grandchildren, Raegan McMullan, Rylan McMullan, Abigail “Abby” McMullan, Ainslie McClain, Lillian Knuckles, Remmington Knuckles and Elizabeth “Betty” Knuckles; three brothers, Larry Simons (Patty), Seatle, Wash., David Simons (Jackie), Delavan, Wis., and Phil Simons (Karen), Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Michelle Spahr, Carmel, Virginia “Ginny” Fennig, Redkey, Ind.; her sister-in-law, Lynn Simons; and by the many students who were fortunate to have her as a teacher.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Laura Lee Pickett; stepfather, Burl V. Whiteman; brother, Gene Simons; and by her father- and mother-in-law, Bryce and Betty Jo Pickett.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday morning, June 14, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Carol Fritz will be officiating. Visitation will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First United Methodist Church.
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m., June 13
Service: 10 a.m., June 14
Location: Sheridan First United Methodist Church
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com