House Resolution 22

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF RESPECTED EDUCATOR CHARLES A. PICKETT, SR., OF TERRY, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Charles Pickett, Sr., of Terry, Mississippi, who had a 45-year career in public education and higher education, departed this life on Saturday, January 17, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Pickett, Sr., was born January 16, 1938, to the late Mr. William D. Pickett and the late Mrs. Willie C. (Flowers) Pickett in Miles Station, Copiah County, Mississippi, the eldest of six children; and

WHEREAS, confessing his belief in Christ at an early age at Lynch Street C.M.E. Church, Dr. Pickett served as a trustee at New Jerusalem Baptist Church and was instrumental in the completion of Mt. Wade Baptist Church where a cornerstone bears his name; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pickett attended Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and physics from Tougaloo College, a master of science degree from Temple University, a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and his education included further studies at Brown University in Rhode Island and Columbia University in New York, as well as his work as a National Science Foundation Physics Fellow at Fisk University, Texas Southern University, Louisiana State University and Lawrence Livermore Laboratory; and

WHEREAS, his teaching career spanned more than 40 years, during which he taught mathematics and physics at Hinds County Agricultural High School, Utica Junior College, Alcorn State University, Louisiana State University, Jackson State University and Mississippi Valley State University, where he was Chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Physics; and

WHEREAS, with a lifelong commitment to education and his community, Dr. Pickett was instrumental in increasing the number of physics courses offered, the quality of physics courses taught, and the availability of physics laboratory equipment at historically black colleges; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pickett joined the staff of the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) where he held numerous positions, including Associate Commissioner of Academic Affairs and Interim Commissioner, becoming the first African-American professional to serve in either of these positions; after retirement and until his death, Dr. Pickett continued his service to IHL as a consultant; and

WHEREAS, "Pick," as he was affectionately called, lived life with an infectious smile that would light up a room; in his leisure time he was an avid pinochle player, football fan, fisherman and equestrian; and

WHEREAS, Pick was a member of the Sigma Pi Sigma Honorary Physics Society, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the Terry Cowboys Riding Club and the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pickett was a devoted husband of 44 years to the former Marie Wilcher, also a retired educator; he also leaves to mourn two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles A. Pickett, Jr., and Rev. Dwayne K. (Tracy) Pickett of Terry, Mississippi, Karen Pickett of Byram, Mississippi, and ten grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that we note the passing of this respected and popular educator whose selfless contributions to his community, to the field of public education and to the State of Mississippi are a matter of record:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the service of respected educator Dr. Charles A. Pickett, Sr., of Terry, Mississippi, and extend to his family and friends deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Charles Pickett, Sr., the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.