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Obituary For Merlene "Sweet Black" Pickney
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.
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My condolences to the family, to be absent from the body is knowing she is present with our Lord, rest easy Merlene😔🙏🏽
I was saddened at the news of your passing Sis;( I pray The Lord's Comfort, Peace and Love rest upon your precious children, and His Grace covers Ray with the strength and courage for the family, In The Name of Jesus. I send my sincerest condolences to your husband and children, siblings, relatives and friends throughout this difficult time. Sending kisses to you my Queen, "Pudgy"
May peace and comfort be with you and your family at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Merlene. Condolences to the family.
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I'm really going to miss your mother speaking with her at all the basketball games such a sweet lady...
Rest in paradise🙏My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time🙌
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😭I miss my friend
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
