Swindell Pickett was gifted to us on February 24th, 1945, to the late Betty Lee Usher in a small farming community in Sampson County, North Carolina. There he was raised by his late Grandmother, Maggie Pickett Johnson and surrounded by countless aunts, uncles and cousins. He enjoyed telling stories about working on the farm and saving enough money to buy his first car. Swindell graduated from Clear Run High School where he was active in the school choir. Swindell moved to New York in his early twenties where he joined other family members in the migration north. He worked various jobs when he arrived at the Big Apple until he settled at MTA Long Island Bus Company. Here, he was a faithful and dedicated employee for many years until his retirement.
Swindell found his life partner, Lynda and built a beautiful home where he was a master at blowing leaves in the fall and blowing snow in the winter. Swindell loved Gospel and Motown era music as well as dancing and having fun. He loved playing cards, especially the classic card game bid whist. He thought he was Muhammad Ali of cards and talked just as much trash. He really loved baseball and was a devoted participant in the annual “Old Timers Day Softball” games in Long Island.
Swindell was dedicated to service as well. He was a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, Doric Lodge #53 located at 95 Westbury Blvd, Hempstead, NY. In 2004, he joined the Masonry and became an honored Mason. When he wanted to stay close to home, he enjoyed going to his accompanying Lodge Hollywood #92 at 15 Rosewood Ave, Amityville, NY.
Swindell leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Gwendolyn Pickett, daughter Natasha Pickett, son Gary C Knight (Yaminah), goddaughter Mary Katherine Bryant, sister Princess Caraway, aunts/sisters Alveria Pierce (Pete), and Annjeanette Gillis (Woody), grandchildren Abreya Knight, Chardonnay Parham-Johnson, Chanel Curry and a host of precious great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, beloved cousins, dear friends, and acquaintances.
Zoom Services will go live on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 9:45 AM
Meeting ID: 989 838 2115
Please Note: This service is provided with ZOOM access only. It will not work on any other Social Platform, you must have Zoom to participate.
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