Alyson Ann Pickens, 71, of Lawrence, passed away on September 2, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer.
Ally was born on September 12, 1951 to John and Mildred Pickens in Lawrence. She graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of Kansas. She was a jayhawker through and through.
Ally loved all things outdoors, traveling, her family, including her dog Rocky and seeing to the needs of the less fortunate.
Ally was preceded in death by her father John. She is survived by her mother “Mickey”, and her brother Mike.
Graveside services will be held on October 21, 2023 at 11am at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Special Olympics, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044. This was an organization she held near and dear to her heart.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Alyson. She taught across the hall from me at LHS. Mark used to play tennis with Alyson many years ago. We were just talking about her last week, we had not seen her in years. Our deepest empathy to your family!
My family is devastated to learn that Alyson is no longer with us. She was our neighbor in Breezedale for many years when my children were young and doted on them like an adoptive grandmother. Even when we moved, she continued to reach out and was a much loved part of our lives. We will miss her terribly.
I walked Alyson’s dogs and pet sat when she traveled. I knew Shadow and later met Rocky. The immense care with which she treated her dogs was always evident- both in how she talked of them and also in their appearances and personalities. They both knew a deep level of love and trust. So sad to lose Alyson- I am glad to have known her.
I have good memories of Alyson as one of my students at KU while she was working on her master’s degree. She worked long and successfully with students with special needs and we need more like her.
Pickens family, so sad to hear of Alyson’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Dale & Betty Guder
Friends forever, Alyson. Our 53 years of earthly friendship was not enough. My heart is broken…
Miss you AP. Rock Chalk.
We are deeply saddened by Alyson’s passing. She was first our ESL teacher and then a good friend. We are so grateful to Alyson for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help. She supported us throughout our stay in Lawrence and somehow always found the right words to lift our spirits up when the war broke out in our native country or when we had to leave Lawrence and start a new life in California. We will forever miss her and remember everything she did for us. May your beautiful soul rest in peace, dear Alyson! Your Ukrainian friends Andriy and Oksana.
The Dobbins & Pickens families traveled & camped out together as we children were growing up. We became a part of each other’s families and each death hurts as we support those of us who live on. Memories of our adventures, mishaps and joys will never fade.
I met Ally in the 60s at Grant school. We had a blast playing softball. She always had a wonderful smile and a caring soul. I’m sure her family will miss her. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Alyson and I reconnected when she starting working in KCKPS. I’ve known Alyson since JR High and we were LHS’69 classmates and friends. She worked at Washington HS and I would see her at SPED meetings. She made a difference and I always enjoyed seeing her!
Allison and I were friends in high school that lost touch when we graduated. I went to Baker and taught in Lawrence at elementary level PE from 1974- 1985. Then had jobs in security and highway patrol,wells Fargo armored car.
I to have tried to help the less fortunate elderly and Lawrence Humane. My husband who has passed and I have money for Lawrence Humane and KC pet project where we got our two small rescue and trained them in health training.
Our dog from KC is my service dog now and as a Marine widow I donate when I can to both shelters equally.
Allison and Terri Wiley and I have forgotten rest of crew had many great memories of softball and we won’t tell! Nothing bad by today’s standards just throwing a cup out the window and a cop almost giving my mom a ticket for littering. Fortunately she knew him and he let her off.
God bless you and I know her dog will give you some comfort knowing the love that was shared .
Much love, Debbie Shirar
I am so sorry to read this. My husband and I were friends with Alyson in the 1970s. Gradually, we lost touch, but I had seen her when she subbed in Lawrence. I remember her friendship and always having a smile for everyone! We are sorry for your loss.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Alyson’s passing. I served as her letter carrier for the past dozen years. She will be missed.
Thanks for your mothers wonderful care. We miss you Alley, such wonderful memories. My deepest sympathy. 🌻