Rhita Thomas Pickens, 89, formerly of Willard Road, Greenwood, widow of Cebron Curtis Pickens, died Monday, August 1, 2016 at Pruitt Health.

Born in Graniteville, she was the daughter of the late Eber Hilliard Thomas and Ada Bragg Thomas. Rhita was a graduate nurse from the Medical College of South Carolina having worked with the Scurry Clinic and Dr. Thomas Clinic. She was in the Canasta Club and was a member of Coronaca Baptist Church. She enjoyed preparing meals and helping with Vacation Bible School and also participating in the Joy Group. Mrs. Pickens loved her church family.

She was twice married, first to the late Clarence Tigner Parnell, preceded in death by a son, Christopher Pickens and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are her children, David Parnell of Moore, Tim Parnell (Eva) of Edgemoor; and Myra Lawson (Johnny) of Orangeburg; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Todd Polatty officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Reggie Griffin, Mike Thomas, O. T. Willard and Howard Thomas.

The family will receive friends before the service at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m.

The family members are at their respective homes.