Darney Gordon Pickens

Darney Gordon Pickens, 57 of Freeport died Friday January 20, 2017 at his home. Darney was born February 1, 1959 in Rockford, IL to the late William Ivy Pickens and Merry Melody(Hayward) Liburd. Darney received his education in the public school systems of Freeport and Rockford Illinois. He also provided service to his country by enlisting and serving in the United States military. During his life Darney worked in several part time jobs and was no stranger to people as he traveled extensively throughout the United States where he met people from all walks of life. Darney grew up and loved attending church and was member of Mt. Calvary and Faith Temple Churches of God In Christ in Freeport. IL and enjoyed playing the drums and guitar and would share his talent in various congregations throughout the country. Darney was preceded in death by his father William Pickens his paternal grandparents Rev. Booker T. Pickens and Ms. Corine Moore and maternal grandparents Bernice and Frank Burris. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Merry Melody Liburd, Freeport, IL. 9 sisters Lorita Burris, Gloria Driver, M. Rebecca Pearson and Melvina Liburd of Freeport, IL, Wardella Pearson of Fort Worth, Texas, Ruth Brown of Brinkley, Arkansas and Darlene (Calvin King) Pickens, Charlotte Thomas, and Marilyn Williams all of Rockford, Illinois. 10 brothers Joshua(Velencia) Pickens of Rockford, IL, William Ivy Pickens Jr of Phoenix, Arizona, Warren Pearson of Freeport, IL, Dr. Solomon(Tamiko) Liburd of, Oswego, IL, Samson and John Liburd of Freeport, IL, Sidney Pearson of WI and Danny Clark, Michael Clark, Dustin Whyte, and Michael Whyte, all of Rockford, IL, two god brothers Sharad Parham of Freeport and Antonio Horton of Rockford, IL. Step grand mother Maurice Pickens of New Albany, MS and step mother Jewlene Pickens of Rockford, IL Four aunts Flossie Pickens and Gladys King, of Rockford IL, Peggie Pickens Westmoreland of New Albany, Ms. and Bernita Edison of Hawaii. four uncles William Burris, and Jeffrey Burris Freeport IL ,Frank Pickens New Albany, MS. and Rev. LT. Pickens of Holly Springs, MS. and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends including a special friend Ms. Paula Smallwood. The family would like to send a special thanks to Ms. Shelia Fane Funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 27, 2017 at St. James C.M.E. Church 1001 E. Empire Street, Freeport, Illinois 61032 Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.