Ted Pickering

Ted (Teddie) Lee Pickering, formally of De Soto, MO, was born April 9, 1946 in Pontiac, MI. He then lived with his Aunt Velma in Arkansas, during his early years. Then, he rejoined his family and they worked as migrant workers traveling throughout many states picking cotton, apples, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes and whatever was ready to be harvested at the time. He had limited schooling and educated himself enough to go to welding school where he became a Master Welder, working throughout the states. He loved to ride motorcycles for transportation and enjoyment. Ted took many road trips with his best friend of 45 years, Dan Bernstein, he lead a colorful life for a time and lived with Dan and his wife Alice while in California and Wisconsin ; until he had an accident welding on a high rise building, when the scaffolding gave way and he broke his back. After the injury, he then took welding repair jobs, on the ground, in factories during their shut down time. Ted traveled through many states doing this type of work. He married Peggy Tate in 1983 and raised 2 children in MO. They separated for several years then divorced. He then became reacquainted with his long time friend, Alice Bernstein, and they fell deeply in love. After having two bouts of cancer in the past; it came back with a vengeance in early 2012 , and despite the cancer diagnoses, Ted and Alice were married on September 14, 2012. After chemotherapy and radiation treatments were unsuccessful, he succumbed to cancer in his home with hospice, on June 4, 2013. He had a special since of humor, his twinkling blue eyes would be the only way you knew he was teasing. Forever a gentleman, putting his wife first and despite his illness, he would surprise her many times with special little gifts and considerations. Ted is preceded in death by his father Eugene, mother Gracie, brother Jim, sister Donna and step-daughter Kathryn. He is survived by his wife, Alice (Bernstein) Pickering, brother John (JR) and sisters Bonnie, Connie, Betty and Marie (Bit). 3 daughters; Cindi of CA, Jennifer and Rebecca of MO, 3 step-daughters, Cynthia of GA, Christina and Deanna of TN, 2 step-sons, Donnie of GA and Bobby of TN. He has 8 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Nieces and nephews in Basterop, TX and St. Louis, MO. Memorial services were held June 14, 2013 at The Church of Latter Day Saints in Madison, TN. Bill Crist, of Minnesota, was pallbearer (wife’s brother) Ted had been a Priest of the Mormon faith in the past and a Funeral Memorial was held June 16, 2013 at Beard’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, TN. With Bobby Hernandez as pallbearer. I Think About You Last summer we met again we started as friends I can’t tell you how it all happened, then autumn came, we were never the same, those nights everything felt like magic and I know our love is true, I think about you, every morning when I open my eyes, I think about you every evening when I turn out the light, I think about you every moment, every day of my life, your on my mind all the time it’s true. How long till I stop pretending, what we have is never ending oh if all we were was just a moment, don’t forget me cause I won’t for get you and I can’t help myself. I think about you, every morning when I open my eyes, I think about you, every evening when I turn out the lights, I think about you every moment every day of my life, you’re on my mind all the time its true To: My One True Love: The Light of My Life, I Will Always Love You with All My Heart, Your Loving Wife, Alice