Ms. Deborah Lynn Pickens, affectionally known as "Deb", was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 21, 1957 to the late Etta Mae Holmes Pickens and T.S. Gansy Pickens. Deb graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University where she received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She worked an assortment of corporate posts, and was employed by American Express, as well as Integon Insurance Company and various security firms.

Deb possessed an affinity for cuisine. She loved nothing more than sharing great recipes and spending quality time with family. Family was an integral part of her entire existence. A witty debater, but equal-ly, Deb was a fine mediator able to see both sides. A prolific reader and knowledgeable cinephile, there were not many movies or shows Deb did not know about.

She departed this life on June 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Etta and T.S. Pickens; brothers Wille Holmes Sr., Paul Pickens, and Allen Holmes Sr.; nephews Tyrone Holmes and Willie Holmes Jr. (Bubba).

She is survived by her nephews: Alan (Mary) Holmes, Allen (Gilda) Holmes Jr. and Amar Holmes; one sister-in-law Martha T. Holmes; and a host of cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.

There will be no public viewing. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Family visitation will be at 12:30 PM

For a copy of funeral program click here