George Etta Pickett, beloved child of God, devoted wife, loving momma, mammaw, aunt, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on May 6, 2026, at the age of 81.

The youngest of three children, George Etta was born on August 18, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to Guy Lynn Ford and Hettie Grace Harvey Ford. She grew up on the north side of Houston and attended Sam Houston High School, where she met the love of her life, Harlon Ray Pickett. On October 18, 1963, Harlon and George Etta were married at Melrose Baptist Church, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span more than six decades.

George Etta and Harlon began building their family in December of 1966 with the birth of their son, Harlon Ray II. Less than three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Dawn Suzanne. Family was always at the center of George Etta’s life. She loved spending time with her extended family and cherished visits with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the years.

George Etta lived life fully and joyfully. She was active and adventurous and deeply loved the outdoors. She enjoyed playing sports, gardening, hunting, and especially fishing. She could out-fish you one day and out-hunt you the next. Whether from a boat, pier, or creek bank, in a lake, bay, pond, or river, she found great peace and happiness with a fishing line in the water. Her love for nature remained strong throughout her entire life.

Early in her marriage, George Etta dedicated herself to raising her children and caring for her family. Later, she began a career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division, where she served as Office Manager for Region IV in Houston. She retired in 2002 after 20-plus years of service.

In 2009, George Etta and Harlon moved to Centerville, Texas, where they built many treasured friendships and became active members of Cowboy Church of Leon County. Faith was a cornerstone of George Etta’s life, and she exemplified grace, compassion, kindness, and unwavering love for others.

In 2022, George Etta and Harlon moved to Ingram, Texas, to be closer to family. George Etta loved the Hill Country and enjoyed exploring the area as well as traveling to visit family and friends.

Shortly after relocating, George Etta and Harlon became members of Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville. Following the July 4, 2025 flood that affected Ingram, Kerrville, and most of the Guadalupe Valley, George Etta faithfully volunteered with the faith-based disaster relief organization Mercy Chefs, serving others with the same loving and giving spirit that defined her life.

George Etta was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Guy Lynn Ford, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Harlon; son and daughter-in-law, Harlon II and Kellie Pickett; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Daryl Herring; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Garren and Callie Pickett; granddaughter, Ehlana Pickett; sister, Julé Adcock; sister-in-law, Betty Ford; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

Those who knew George Etta will remember her warmth, infectious laughter, generosity, strong faith, adventurous spirit, and genuine love she showed to everyone. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and love of family will live on through those who knew her.

The family will host an informal Celebration of Life reception from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 30, 2026, at Kerrville Funeral Home, 1221 Junction Highway, Kerrville, TX, 78028.

A formal Celebration of Life service will be held on June 6, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Cowboy Church of Leon County, 1393 SH 7, Centerville, TX, 75833.

If so led, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George Etta’s memory to Mercy Chefs (mercychefs.com/donation).

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home.