Myrtle Alma Pickens 92, died at 6:38 p.m. Sunday June 5, 2011 at Residential Living Center in Mt. Vernon. She was born in Thebes, IL on January 24, 1919, the daughter of Alvin Cyrille and Bertha Rose (Cook) Brawn, also of Thebes, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Pickens married H.H. "Bill" Pickens on February 26, 1938; Mr. Pickens died in August 30, 1973. "Myrt" was a beautician during World War II but after the war she focused her attention on her real love, Cocker Spaniels. She operated 'My Pick' kennels in Thebes, Mt. Vernon, West Frankfort, and Jackson, MO. Mrs. Pickens enjoyed great success showing and breeding Cocker Spaniels, and for many years was recognized by the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club as one of America's foremost authorities of the breed. Myrtle was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marion , a lifelong member of National Federation of Republican Women and the VFW Ladies Auxillary in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday June 18, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1801 West Minster Drive) in Marion , Pastor Mark P. Surburg will officiate. Private interment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes. For those who wish in Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jackson County Humane Shelter and will be accepted at the service or may be mailed to the Newell Funeral Home 2707 North Street Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864. For more information you may call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100