Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

Obituary For Mr. Bobby Pickens

Mr. Bobby Pickens passed on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Funeral services for Mr. Pickens will be on Thursday, June 20 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1210 S. Elm Eugene Street. The visitation will begin at 11 am and the service will follow at 12 noon. Internment will be at Maplewood Cemetery, 235 Bingham Street.

Bobby Samuel Pickens was the fourth of five children born on August 25, 1948 to Hosea Samuel and Elnora Lane McKoy Pickens in Greensboro, NC.

Affectionately known as “BP” or Bob, Bobby (Bobbie) transitioned home on June 12, 2024, without farewell, at Beacon Place, to dwell in the beautiful city called Heaven after a lengthy illness.

Bobby accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age as a long-time and active member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. His primary education was in the Greensboro Public School System, graduating from James B. Dudley High School in 1966.

He was a band member in high school and took that interest into college. He entered North Carolina A&T State College where he sought an education in Architectural Engineering, but later changed majors and received his BS degree in Business Administration in 1975 from North Carolina A&T State University.

Bobby went on to work as a sales representative for various national companies across the southeast. He was a man of many talents.

In 1978, he met and married the love of his life Wannalyn. To this union, one daughter was born, Keturah Pickens, who preceded him in death in 1995.

Bobby was one of four co-founders of the NCA&T Alumni Band Association. They were Bobby Pickens, the late Nimrod Perry, Ronald Cooper, and Jean Wilson. His duties included opening and closing the Homecoming suite where he and his wife were in charge of the food and music, making sure everything was in order and ensuring everyone had a great time.

Bobby will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents: Hosea and Elnora Pickens; a baby brother: Victor Pickens; his daughter: Keturah Pickens; three sisters: Glenda Fortune, Gloria Thomas, and Judith Alexander.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 45 years: Wannalyn Croom Pickens; a stepson: Hercules Alphie Croom (Constance) of Las Vegas, NV; three nephews: Adrian (Beverly) Fortune of Beach Park, IL, Gregg Thomas of Markham, IL, and Corey (Majja) Alexander of Brooklyn, NY; two nieces: Dr. Candace Fortune of Sacramento, CA, and Ashley (Eric) Wilson of Bowie, MD; one brother-in-law: Ronald Alexander of Brooklyn, NY; a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and other close relatives and close friends.

Guest Book

Wanda, our deepest condolences and prayers! May Bobby rest in eternal comfort and peace! And that you sense security/comfort in the shadow of our Father's wings!! Jacob and Pamela (McCoy)Del Pino

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To the family of Bobby,My sincere condolences for the loss o a fine young man. He was always a joy to be in the presence of. May his soul rest in peace and may hearts of thanksgiving be with the family after you have grieved a little while. Sincerely..... Victor Pruitt

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The one and only Bobby Pickens will truely be missed and I will miss his humor and candid conversations about the Alumni Band and life. He also made some good ribs. The NC A&T Alumni Band will truely miss Bobby.

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To: Uncle Bobby, With Love, Prayers and Blessings of Peace From: Candy-* Candace M. Fortune, M.D. Sacramento, CA

- Candace

Dear Aunt Wannalyn and Fellow Family, It is with heavy heart that I send my love, prayers, and condolences. Uncle Bobby will be forever loved and memory cherished most for his gregarious/ contagious laughter, words of wisdom/ encouragement, and wonderfully entertaining stories! May you seek comfort and strength in the Lord during these times of grief and sorrow. Trust and remain steadfast in the faith that God will see you through your darkest days and into the light once more. Wishes of Peace, "Candy" (Sacramento, CA)

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Rest easy unc Love you BP!

- Gregg E Thomas

Family, I'm sorry to see him go but relieved that he no longer suffers. I remember as a child always looking up to you. You were always stylish and charismatic...you were the Coolest uncle in the whole world and that's how I prefer to remember you. Until we meet again BP. Love Greggie Boy

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Dear Wannalyn, We are saddened of Bobby's passing. You took very, very good care of Bobby. Know that he is at peace and would want you to be at peace. Love you and we will stay in touch. Donnie & Jean Blackley Spartanburg, SC

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Sending Heartfelt Condolences And PRAYERS🙏To You And Your Entire Family! So very sorry for your loss! May your memories of Bobby be with you always!!

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On behalf of the family of Mother Elizabeth McKoy whom Bobby referred to as Aunt Lizzie, our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. May the love of Christ bring you peace and comfort in the passing of our cousin. We will always remember him, especially from the last McKoy Family Reunion. He left a thoughtful message with us. One that we will not soon forget. He will truly be missed by all of us. We love you and praying for you! Bobby's (first) cousins. Edward Jr, John, Bishop Roy, Nancy, Joe Nathan, Brinn, Bob and Marsha

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

- Pamela Del Pino