Laura Pickens, age 86, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on September 7, 2026.

Laura was a woman who loved deeply, cared fiercely, and took great pride in the family she built. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but above all, she was the heart of her family.

Laura was born to Evelyn King and Arnon Crandall. Laura was married to her beloved husband for 65 years before his passing on May 7, 2025. Together, they created a family and a lifetime of memories that will continue through the generations.

If you knew Laura, you knew how much her family meant to her. She loved having her family around her and truly enjoyed opening her home to the people she loved. Her home was a gathering place—a place where there was always something cooking, someone laughing, and usually a domino game getting started.

Laura was incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She celebrated their lives and accomplishments and carried a deep love for every one of them. Her greatest joy was watching her family grow, and her greatest pride was knowing that the love she poured into them would continue long after she was gone.

Laura is survived by her four sons, Ora Dean (Becky) Pickens, Arnon (Nerissa) Pickens, Bradley Pickens, and Clayton (Hope) Pickens; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Laura leaves behind more than a family—she leaves behind a legacy of love, togetherness, good food, laughter, and memories around the table. Her family will remember her every time a homemade meal is shared, every time dominoes are laid out on the table, and every time they gather together.

She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave her family will live on in every generation that follows.

May Laura rest peacefully, reunited with her beloved husband.