Senate Concurrent Resolution 551

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF RESPECTED EDUCATOR CHARLES PICKETT, SR., OF TERRY, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

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 A. 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. As the eldest of six children, he confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at Lynch Street C.M.E. Church; 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. Dr. Pickett received a Master of Science degree from Temple University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Further studies were conducted at Brown University in Rhode Island and Columbia University in New York. He was a National Science Foundation physics fellow at Fisk University, Texas Southern University, Brown University, Columbia University, Louisiana State University and Lawrence Livermore Laboratory; and

WHEREAS, his teaching career spanned more than 40 years. 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). He held numerous positions, including Associate Commissioner of Academic Affairs and Interim Commissioner. He was the first African-American professional to serve in either of these positions. After retirement and until his death, Dr. Pickett continued his service to the IHL as a consultant; and

WHEREAS, "Pick", as he was affectionately called, lived life with an infectious smile that would light up a room! He was a competitive Pinochle player and enjoyed the company of close friends who traveled to tournaments in various cities. He also traveled as an annual event to watch the Super Bowl with other close friends. As an avid fisherman, he was a member of the Magnolia Crappie Club and spent lots of time fishing with his sons and grandchildren. Most recently, rodeoing had become a favorite past-time and yet another opportunity to spend time with family. As an equestrian and cattleman, he handled more than 100 F1 Brahman Cross Cattle and numerous Tennessee Walking and Saddle horses; and

WHEREAS, Pick was a member of the Sigma Pi Sigma Honorary Physics Society, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the Terry Cowboys Riding Club, the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association and New Jerusalem Baptist Church. As a trustee, he was instrumental in the completion of Mt. Wade Baptist Church. A cornerstone bears his name; 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, and Karen Pickett of Byram, Mississippi; two sisters, Violet Champion of Chicago, Illinois, and Alice (Thomas) Jordan of Greensboro, North Carolina; two brothers, Sam W. (Jackie) Pickett and Chester Pickett of Jackson, Mississippi; aunts, uncles, a mother and father-in-law; and ten grandchildren, Charleson, Julian, Kendedrick, Stephanie, Malcolm, Kenedi, Dwayne, Jr., Charles (King), III, Keishun, and Kara. He also leaves a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. One brother, Johnny Paul, preceded him in death; 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the service of respected educator Charles Pickett, Sr., of Terry, Mississippi, and extend to his surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Charles Pickett, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.