Families who have a legacy network, collaborate and support each other to impact lives. They lead with yesterday, today, and tomorrow in mind so that they cultivate what matters. They find the will to overcome the negative chatter holding them back from their purpose and pave the way to become the first in their fields. These families deserve to be celebrated year-round for breaking barriers, standing against injustices, and leading from the frontlines.
GOING THE DISTANCE
“Thankfully, my mother worked for the Mayor and told him of my interest. After that, my father went to the City Commissioner’s meeting to lobby for Black policemen. It was only after the commissioner fired the then police chief that I was hired as a police officer.”
In 1964, Pickett, Jr. was promoted to head of crime scene investigations, where he soon implemented the department’s first fingerprint filing system in Polk County and worked for all police departments in Polk County in their fingerprinting department. The Henry system which was developed in Great Britain allowed for greater cross-referencing. The Pickett-Moulden Crime Laboratory in Lakeland was named after Edgar Pickett, Jr. and his long-time partner and friend, Herman Moulden. In 1983, after 29 ½ years of work, Pickett, Jr. retired from his position of Sergeant with the Lakeland Police Department. However, he continued to volunteer as a consultant for different law enforcement agencies in the State of Florida.
In 2020, Mother Pickett was awarded the key to the city of Lakeland by Mayor Bill Mutz for her many years of community service. While she was not able to attend the ceremony, her daughter, Deloris Pickett Patterson attended and delivered the key to her mother.
For 31 years, Deloris Patterson worked for the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. She worked one year at Memorial Middle School and 30 years at Dr. Phillips High School. Deloris was in the first group to work at Dr. Phillips High School while it was still under construction. Dr. Phillips opened officially in August 1987. She was hired to work in the copy room and worked herself up to Administrative Secretary to the Principal. In 2017, a grand ceremony was held in her honor when she retired. “Unfortunately, my mom’s health would not permit her to attend the ceremony.” Deloris was thankful that her father, brother, and sons could share in this special occasion given by the administration, faculty, and staff of Dr. Phillips High School.
Deloris was named Orange County Public Schools 2014 Support Person of the Year at a ceremony held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. During her employment at Dr. Phillips High School, Patterson had been named DPHS Support Person of the Year at least eight times. She was an OCPS finalist three times and a State of Florida finalist in 2014.
Pastor Pickett was called into the ministry while he was operating as a supervisor at a branch of Publix Super Market. He started with three members and now Word Alive Ministries, a nondenominational church, has over 300 members. With a mission to help the Lakeland community, Word Alive Ministries has implemented many programs, including a men’s ministry, women’s ministry, outreach to Virgin Islands ministry, ministry in Jamaica, and a livestream on Facebook to reach many across the world.
GROWING IN GRACE
For many, leaving a legacy is associated with the end rather than the beginning of their lives. The Pickett Family learned this life lesson early and, with each step, they identified ways to master the fundamentals and create opportunities.
“Mom and dad were dedicated to their work in the church and community. My sister and I are proud of our parents’ achievements,” Pastor Pickett states. “Our parents have always been caring. I never had to worry about needing anything as a kid.”
“There is so much we could say about growing up in the Pickett household and how we survived being PKs (Police Kids).”
BEING UNSHAKEABLE
It was not easy for the Pickett family to talk about the late Lena Pickett. As they reflected on her life and legacy, the past came to life with people, places, customs, and celebrations.
“When mom passed, it was like losing my best friend. She was my confidant, mentor, sister, and someone I could look up to. Her love was unconditional. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about mom. I know she made her appointment with the Lord, but the hurt is still here.
“We continue to have a strong family bond and we keep in touch with each other as much as possible.”
“Going on the journey with mom during the last stages of her life changed my life and outlook on life,” says Deloris. “It helped me to know how important it is to love on my loved ones. I thank God for the years He gave us with our mom.”
· Plan for grief triggers, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays.
