Edna Elizabeth Varnell Pickens, 97 of Claxton Community passed away Sunday, November 18, 2018.

She was a daughter of the late George L. and Nell Swafford Varnell.

Preceded in death by her husband, J.K. Pickens; sister, Emily Varnell; brothers, James Edgar Varnell and George Lee Varnell.

She was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church for 71 years.

She graduated from Calhoun High School in 1939 where she played on two district champion basketball teams and was named on the East Tennessee All Star Team; she was very active in civic affairs. She was a member of the McMinn County Home Demonstration Club for over 75 years; she was a beloved substitute teacher for many years.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Ruth Varnell Matthews; son and daughter-in-law, Col. Charles Pickens and wife Janet Pickens; grandchildren, Jill and husband, Andy Brock, Suezanne Pickens, LTC Burt Newman and wife Lori Newman; great-grandchildren, Lily Brock, Baylor Brock, John Newman, Clara Newman and Anna Newman; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and several cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday at Double Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Cutis Herman Jordan, Rev. Bryon Talbot and Rev. Jack Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Double Springs Cemetery.

Andrew Brock, Baylor Brock, Jerry Penny, Shaun Davis, Donnie Brown and Lynn Wampler will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to "Learning to Succeed" a program serving children with learning disabilities, 926 West Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604 or Double Springs Baptist Church, 111 County Road 776, Athens, TN 37303.