Annie Mae Bridgewater Pickett was born on November 19, 1929, in Gilett, Arkansas, to the late John Henry Bridgewater and Laura Bridgewater. She was the oldest of four siblings and was preceded in death by her sisters, Estella Pugh and Josephine Bridgewater; her brother, Johnny Bridgewater; her two children, Glendene Horton and Carl Bernard Pickett; her beloved granddaughter, Dannette Pickett; her great-granddaughter, Cornae' Duley; and her great-great-granddaughter, KyRiana Silas.

Annie received her early education in the Gilett, Arkansas School System and worked in the school cafeteria serving food at the Little Red School House. After coming to Kansas City in 1951 with her husband Moranda Pickett Jr., she later decided to go back to school at Penn Valley Community College, graduating with honors in Business Administration.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose presence was the heartbeat of five generations. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Venita Acklin (Gaylon); four grandsons, Deondra Smith (Queda), Rodney Smith (Cristy), Carl Pickett (Sharee), and James Estell; one granddaughter, Danielle Estell; her loving significant other and confidant, Mr. Finas C. Black; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A gifted seamstress, Annie worked with pride and precision at Mendel's Dress Factory in Kansas City's garment district until she retired at the age of 62, but retirement was only the beginning of her passion for giving. She poured herself into her garden-growing vegetables not for personal gain but to share with family and friends, a quiet act of love she carried on until her health declined in her final year. She often said she could sit all day in her garden, letting the breeze wash over her soul on the hill.

Annie's journey continued with bold steps of growth. She poured herself into the lives of others, always extending kindness, wisdom, and care. Her life found purpose in lifting others up-in love, in service, and in strength.

Her life was guided by a deep and steady faith. Baptized in a park in her hometown of Gilett, Annie never wavered in her belief in Almighty God. She lived her faith daily-through forgiveness, faith, and compassion.

She joined St. Stephens Baptist Church the same year she came to Kansas City and remained a devoted member for 74 years until her passing. She served faithfully in the Inspirational Choir, as a soloist-even recording a solo on the church's album they made in 1972-and was known for her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering belief in the power of prayer. Annie also served on the Senior Services Committee and in Sunday School, continuing her lifelong example of servant leadership.

Annie also encouraged her family in financial education, involving them in every opportunity she pursued. Her heart was dedicated to lifting others up-whether through advice, spiritual guidance, or sharing a gift. If you hurt, she hurt for you, and she would try to find something to heal your pain, inside or out. She lived with a spirit of unconditional love-listening, understanding, and driven to make everyone's day a little better-all rooted in her belief in Christ.

Annie loved watching Walker, Texas Ranger, working word search puzzles, and having long talks with her grandson. Her life was rich with simple joys and deep wisdom. Annie had a loving significant other, with whom she enjoyed spending time talking and simply enjoying one another's company, and was surrounded
always by family, faith, and purpose.

Annie Mae Bridgewater Pickett lived a long, fruitful life rooted in faith, love, and family. Her legacy is one of humility, hard work, and boundless generosity. Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is now resting in the arms of the Lord she served so well.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .