Jerome Joseph Pickens was born in San Francisco, CA to Binum and Lina (Palmer) Pickens on December 13, 1959. After graduating from Madill High School, Jerome joined the National Guard and served his country for two years. He departed this life on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at his home in Los Angeles, CA. Jerome leaves behind to mourn his passing, mother Lina Pickens of McMillan, two brothers, Clayburn Pickens and wife Cathy of Madill, Beanard Pickens and Janice Ward of Bennington, five sisters, Bonnie Christie and husband Frank of Madill, Katie Niday and Pat Garrett of Madill, Deborah Gardner and husband Berlin of Ardmore, Linda Pickens and Ben Firethunder of Los Angeles, Bernice Pickens of Los Angeles, daughter Censi Childs of Tulsa, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many dear and loved friends. He is preceded in death by his father Binum Pickens,a direct descendant of Edmond Pickens, part of the Shawi Clan of the Chickasaw Nation.