Elizabeth "Liz" Lois Pickle

Elizabeth Pickle, also known as Liz Pickle, of Palestine, Texas left her earthly home on Wednesday, the 26th day of August 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on the 10th day of May 1936 in Houston, Texas to parents Oliver Luther Hammonds and Mabel Victoria Dorsey Hammonds.

Liz was a remarkably talented musician whose gift brought joy and comfort to countless people throughout her life. She came from a very musical family of old-time violin players, her father and his brothers. They played violin together and Liz and her nieces, the Candy Cane Kids, would sing on Houston radio every Saturday morning in the 40s. She played piano at church starting at 6 years old, which continued throughout her lifetime. Later in life, she performed and sang in an all-women barbershop chorus and quartet and other venues.

Playing and performing with her father and other family and friends sparked a lifelong passion for music. One of her greatest joys was bringing joy and happiness to others through her music.

For more than 50 years, Liz faithfully shared her musical talents at Westwood United Methodist Church, where she played the piano and became a treasured part of the church family. She generously played for funerals, weddings, services at other churches, and at nursing homes as well during those years.

Outside of music, Liz found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed flower gardening, baking Christmas candy, and cooking. Her kitchen was a place where family and friends could enjoy the delicious food she prepared and the warmth of her love.

Liz will be remembered not only for her extraordinary musical talent, but also for her kind heart, generous spirit, love of family, and the many ways she gave of herself to others. Her music, her love, and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and those who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Mabel Hammonds, daughter-in-law Phyllis Greer, and her siblings, Claude Hammonds, Frank Hammonds, Gene Hammonds, Roy Hammonds, Mary Wadsworth, Bill Hammonds, and Iva Lee Evans.

Left to cherish Liz's memory are her husband and partner of 67 years, Lem Pickle; her children, Kathleen Keese and husband Paul, Terry Bell, Mark Greer, and Vicki Stringfield and husband Jason; and her stepchildren, Alan Clark Pickle and Valerie Gayle Pickle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Casey Keese, Kerry Keese, Lindsey Elliott, Lane Stringfield, and Lauren Peterson; great-grandchildren, Goldie Keese, George Keese, Tenley Elliott, Harper Elliott, Skye Stringfield, Kyree Stringfield, Harrison Stringfield, Ellie Peterson, Liam Peterson, several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

While her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in the assurance that she has heard the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant", and now rest in the eternal presence of the God she faithfully loved and served.

The family is grateful for the tender care she received from Heart-to-Heart Hospice in Palestine.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Liz Pickle are to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 30th day of August 2026, in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Manuel officiating the service. A private burial will be in Broyles Chapel Cemetery.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour before the start of service.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Elizabeth's grandsons.

For those unable to attend the service, a livestream of the service will be available through the Rhone Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Funeral services for Elizabeth "Liz" Lois Pickle are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.