Visitation: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Visitation Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
4077 Prince Hall Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
4077 Prince Hall Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Mother Mabel Pickens was born on October 13, 1932, in Baxley, Georgia, to the late Walter and Annie Mae Kelley. She later moved to Orlando, Florida, where she attended Holden Street School. At the age of 18, Mabel relocated to Zephyrhills, Florida, where she began a new chapter of her life, becoming a mother and later establishing a devoted career as a housekeeper and nanny.
In 1962, Mabel married Bobby Lee Pickens in Zephyrhills, Florida. Though their lives later took separate paths, they remained married until his passing.
Mabel dedicated more than 45 years of faithful service as a housekeeper and nanny to the Belden and Olson families. Over the years, those relationships grew beyond employment and became like extended family. Mabel never truly retired. Even into her 90s, she continued assisting the Olson family with small household duties, including polishing silver, a reflection of the strong work ethic and independence she carried throughout her life.
In her mid-40s, Mabel gave her life to Christ and became a faithful member of Miracle Tabernacle Non-Denominational Church in Orlando, Florida, under the leadership of the late Bishop Alphonzo Hardeman. She faithfully served as a member of Choir No. 1 and the Love in Action Board, helping with church events and supporting the ministry. Through her years of faithfulness and service, she became a beloved Mother of the Church, a title she carried with honor.
Known for her quiet, sweet, and loving spirit, Mabel enjoyed fishing, a pastime she learned from her father. She also loved shopping, dining out, traveling, and taking cruises. Mabel had a special love for cooking and baking, preparing family favorites, holiday dishes, cakes, and sweet treats that became cherished traditions passed down through the family.
Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Cornelius Cortez Floyd, Tacarey Knight, and Joshua; seven great-grandchildren, Cornelius Cortez Floyd, Jr., Kristopher Keon Floyd, Cortarrious C. Floyd, Donell Knight, Amiyah Knight, Arianah Knight, and J’khai Knight; her beloved great-great-great nephew and niece, Devonne Givens, Jr. and Ailani Givens, who held an especially dear place in her heart and whom she lovingly regarded as grandchildren; her loving & devoted sisters, Julia Hunt and Carolyn Dees, both of Orlando, Florida, and Vernell Lollis of Kansas City, Missouri; her goddaughter, Erica Walker; godsons, Quentin Walker, Mekhi Dillworth, and Johnny Mitchell; and her faithful & devoted nieces, Barbara Kelley, Ann Smalls (Eddie), Sharon Kelley, Stephanie Williams, Emily “Niecey” Godwin, Tonja Graham (Willie), LaKisha (Randu), Tawanda, Briana Hampton, and Monet Graham.
She also leaves her special children, Erik Olson & Karin Banks, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and her beloved church family.
Mother Mabel Pickens’ life was a testimony of love, faith, strength, and grace. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit, wisdom, and the love she shared will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9:00 AM until services begin at 11:00 AM, Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 4077 Prince Hall Boulevard, Orlando with Bishop Linda Neely, eulogist. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando, FL.
