Obituary of Donna Joan Pickens

Donna Joan Pickens was born in Turley, OK on February 26, 1938 to Glenn and Florence Terhune.  She passed peacefully into our heavenly Father's arms on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the age of 85. 

She grew up in Turley and was part of a large family, comprised of 6 siblings.  Donna attended Central High School and then Northeastern State for college, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  While in college she met James F. Pickens II and they were later married on June 7, 1962.  After graduating from college, Donna and James moved to Tulsa, OK where she taught school for several years.  It was in Tulsa that she and her husband started a family.   Donna’s greatest loves in life were her two children and her husband of 61 years.   

She was an avid collector of antique dolls, Fenton and depression glassware, carousel horses, figurines, and all kinds of things poodle related – with poodles being her favorite breed of dogs, and beloved pets for many years.  Donna was a big animal lover and in addition to her own pets, she had a great love for her grand-dogs throughout the years – even staying up all night while babysitting her daughter’s puppy, so that he wouldn’t cry.  Donna also loved to work with ceramics, read, crochet, and sew – she even won the grand prize in multiple sewing contests sponsored by Tinker Airforce Base.  Donna created many beautiful dresses as part of these contests, which were used to clothe dolls and donated to charity so that children in need would have Christmas presents.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Florence Terhune, and her son, James F. (Jimmy) Pickens III.  Donna is survived by her husband, James F. Pickens II; her daughter, Cheri Pickens; siblings, Barbara Winter and John Terhune; numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Donna's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to those who took care of her during her stay and final days at Rolling Hills Care Center in Catoosa, OK. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to all of our family members and friends, for your generous thoughts and prayers at the loss of our beloved wife and mother.  

Donna was a kind, caring, and loving person with the sweetest soul.  She was greatly loved by her family, and while they are devastated and broken-hearted at the loss of such a special person in their life, they celebrate her new life and body, one free of pain and illness.  This is not good-bye, this is "until we see you again" – we will miss you tremendously, but look forward to the day that we will see you again.

• Love James and Cheri.

Donna will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home, 3841 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK.   Private family services will be held.