Lila Pearl Pickens Modest

August 23, 1943 ~ February 13, 2025

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell." ~Pslm 27:1-2

Lila Pearl Modest, 81, was born on August 23, 1943, to the late Dennis and Mervin Dansby Pickens in Homer, LA. "Pearl", as she was affectionately known, accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. Led by her faith, she was a member of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Harvey Lawson and later joined First Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A.C. Jefferson. Studying her bible gave her much comfort and solitude.

After relocating to Lake Charles, LA, Pearl graduated from W. O. Boston High (Class of 1962) and attended McNeese State University where she participated in local pageants. Pearl flourished while employed at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and later as the Unit Secretary for the Radiology Department at St. Patrick Hospital, where she retired after 30-years of service and was adored by all. This is also where she met some of her extended family: Joyce, Pearl, Betty Jo, Charlotte and Mary Alice. Pearl treasured spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchild. She also loved playing cards with her son-in-law, Reggie, shopping for the latest home décor and the latest fashions. Pearl was known for her passionate home décor sense and her impeccable chic style.

Our lives were forever changed on February 13, 2025, when Pearl took flight peacefully to her eternal rest with her devoted daughter by her side. She was preceded in death by her fiancée, Lee Guillory; her parents, Dennis and Mervin Pickens; her maternal grandparents, Frank Arthur and Madge Dansby; her paternal grandparents, John and Minnie Pickens; her brothers, Willie Pickens and Lonnie Pickens; her sister, Linda Pickens Brooks; her aunt, Al Perry Sims; and her extended family: Betty Jo Carson, Francis Griffin, Charlotte Jenkins, Pearl King, Katherine Lute, Shirley Price, Mary Alice Reynaud, Phillip Vallier and Ernest Walker.

Those left to carry on Pearl's loving legacy and memories are: her son, Terald Walker and her daughter, Ostoski (Reginald) Eaglin both of Lake Charles, LA; her grandchildren, Terald Simpson, Timothy (Laken) Talbert and Travon Talbert all of Lake Charles, LA; her great-grandson, Traelyn Talbert of Lake Charles, LA; her brothers, James (Karen) Pickens of Iowa, LA and Rodney (Amanda) Pickens of Lake Charles, LA; her sisters, Muriel Marie Pickens and Deborah Diane Pickens both of Lake Charles, LA; her uncles, Arthur Dansby of Lake Charles, LA and Harry Dansby of Homer, LA; her goddaughters, Amanda Johnson of Garland, TX and Kayla Alfred of Lake Charles, LA; her daughter-in-love, Neko Simpson; and her extended family: Maggie Vallier, Jenny Edwards, Joyce Jackson, Gloria Rubit, Deenie Taylor and Brenda Woods; and infinite nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Pearl will truly be missed.

The family of Lila Pearl Pickens Modest wishes to thank you for your thoughtfulness, generosity and support during this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated. A special thank you to the medical professionals who provided care to our Mother.

Pearl's services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Combre Funeral Home. Rev. Roger Shillow will officiate. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with her funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m.