Rita Pickard

Graveside services and interment for Rita Poteet Pickard, age 89 of Cookeville, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday July 22 at Algood City Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 precautions, social distancing measures will be observed. Rita passed away Sunday afternoon July 19, 2020 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born October 2, 1930 in Cleveland, OH to the late Hershal and Ernal Speck Poteet. Rita was a member of Salem Methodist Church in Cookeville. She was a former resident of Cedar Hills Senior Living and an active member of Cookeville Senior Citizens Center. Known for her quick wit and love of dancing, Rita was the life of the party. She loved the Lord with all her heart. Rita encountered several medical complications throughout her later years, but she never lost her spark. Her caregivers and medical staff would say she always kept them on their toes. She was enormously proud of the family she created, with endless pictures and stories to share. Rita is survived by three daughters: Kem (Jimmy) Dickinson of Cookeville, Nanci (Randy) Dalton of Chattanooga, and Lisa Renee Nash of Cookeville; sister, Marie Cooper of Plano, TX; grandchildren, Nicole (Jonathan) Wallace, Alec Dickinson, Joshua (Racquel) Eich, Timothy Keyt, and Ryan (Heather) Layne; great-grandchildren, Bo Eich, Parker Williams, Hunter Layne, and Noah Layne. Nieces and nephew Tammy Cooper Svidron, Joanie Cooper Amarosa and Darryl Cooper. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Raney Pickard; and sister, Ann Poteet. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Methodist Church, 1021 Salem Church Rd, Cookeville, TN 38501. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.