Carolyn Ann Pickens

In Loving Memory

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Carolyn Pickens, who passed on in her home on Friday January 9, 2026. Carolyn was a beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family and friends will deeply miss her.

Carolyn Pickens (Van Duker) was born on April 6, 1947 in Waukegan, Illinois to Laura and Frank Van Duker. Carolyn and her brother Bill Kidd grew up in Illinois mostly but were children of the army and went where the family was sent. Once Laura remarried to John Robison the family relocated to Lawton where Carolyn graduated from Lawton High School in 1966.

After graduation Carolyn married her former husband, Rickey Pickens in 1967. The couple welcomed their only child, Robin Stancil (Pickens) on August 8, 1972 while stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. Carolyn saw more of the country while following Rickey’s Army career but the family ultimately settled back in Lawton. Carolyn was a homemaker with a brief endeavor as a hairstylist for four years following her and Ricky’s divorce in 1998. From there she was a full time Nana.

Being a grandmother was what gave Carolyn the most joy. She happily undertook the love and care for not just her grandchildren, but all their friends as well. Joyfully baking monkey bars, reading stories, playing with baby dolls, and watching movies she hated but knew the kids loved. Carolyn enjoyed watching British dramas, old black and white movies, doing embroidery, and listening to all the gossip from the neighborhood. Carolyn was a kind, and witty soul who never met a stranger. She would win over even the most stubborn stranger to engage in small talk. She loved a good inappropriate joke, Wayne’s breaded steak on a bun, a warm glass of unsweet tea, and a big box of yellow Peeps.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her mother Laura Robinson, biological father Frank Van Duker, stepfather John Robison, brother Bill Kidd, nephew John Kidd, and son in law James Stancil.

She is survived by her daughter Robin, granddaughters Shelby (Gary) and Courtney, and grandson Garrett (Sarah). She is also survived by one great grand daughter, and three great grandsons (Noah, Hayven, Milo, and Oliver). As well numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews that were very dear to her heart.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when the weather is nice seeing as Carolyn despised the cold.

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