OPELOUSAS – Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, 1606 W. College Ave., Opelousas, LA for Mrs. Merlene Pickney, affectionately known by her family and friends “Sweet Black”, 53, who entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at East Jefferson General Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Interment will be in Garden of Memory Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.

Rev. Frank L. Ford, Pastor of Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, will be officiating the funeral service.

Mrs. Pickney’s memories are being cherished by: her husband, Joseph Pickney, Sr. of Opelousas, LA; her mother, Geraldine Murray Andrus of Opelousas, LA; three sons, Raylon Pickney, Rayshawn Pickney and Joseph Pickney, Jr., all of Opelousas, LA; two daughters, Ramya Pickney and Raylene Pickney, both of Opelousas, LA; four brothers, Donald (Gloria) Andrus of Port Barre, LA, Hertley (Rita) Andrus, Ronald (Sabrina) Andrus and George (Amanda) Andrus, all of Opelousas, LA; two sisters, Lydia Rideau (Ray) of Palmetto, LA and Charlene Thibodeaux of Opelousas, LA; two grandchildren, Raylee Pickney and Rylin Pickney, both of Opelousas, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her father, Lionel Andrus, Sr.; two brothers, Rev. Lionel Andrus, Jr. and Michael Cooper; one sister, Emma Taylor; and two nephews, Ray Rideau and Jermaine Andrus.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

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