OPELOUSAS - Visitation services will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA for Mr. Joseph Pickens, 84, who entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Opelousas General Health System. Graveside service and interment will follow at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, LA.

Rev. Frank L. Ford, Pastor of Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, will be officiating the funeral service. Mr. Pickens was a member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church where he served under the leadership of Pastor Robert Dupre. He served as a Deacon at his church.

Mr. Pickens’ memories are being cherished by: his wife, Mary Richardson Pickens of Opelousas, LA; three sons, Mark Irving and Michael K. Irving (Tammie), both of Opelousas, LA and Jude Irving (Tiffany) of Houston, TX; five daughters, Debra Jackson (Henry) of Dallas, TX, Donna White Lewis, Mona Irving and Monette Irving Ford (Floyd), all of Opelousas, LA and Sonja Pickens of Vallejo, CA; three brothers, Anthony Pickney and Paul Pickney, both of Opelousas, LA and Arthur Lewis (Mary) of Houston, TX; three sisters, Ruby Petty and Esther Jones, both of Opelousas, LA and Nell Johnson of Houston, TX; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Elijah and Ruby Leblanc Pickney; three sons, Darryl Pickens, Christopher Lazard and Brian Irving; four brothers, Henry Charles Lewis, Earl Lewis, Jr., Larry Lewis and Ferdinand Lewis; and one sister, Mildred Pickney Gibbs. ** Please be advised we will adhere to the safety measures and precautions provided by the state of Louisiana due to COVID-19. Masks are required for those who will be in attendance. ** Words of condolences may be expressed at www.fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.