In Loving Memory

of


Walter Emerson Pickering
January 31, 1899 March 21, 1992



VIEWING
Thursday, March 26,1992
John Thomas Funeral Home
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
1:00 2-00 p.m.

SERVICE
2.00 p.m.


INTERMENT
Western Cemetery


a V I


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Eulogy

Little by little the familiar faces of the folks, who over the years
have kept Virgin Islands culture alive, are disappearing from the
scene.
On March 21,1992, Walter Pickering, affectionately known as
"Sweet Willie", passed away at the St. Thomas Hospital. He was
born on Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on January 31, 1899.
Carnival will hardly be the same without "Willie" leading the
Sebastien's Majorettes, dapper in white shorts, a colourful shirt and
a jaunty hat, stepping like an Irish bagpipe musician.
From the first Carnival in 1952, Willie, an accomplished and re-
spected electrician, together with Fernando "Nando" Corneiro,
spent countless hours stringing lights all over the main thorough-
fare of Charlotte Amalie. Willie gave of his time and his expertise,
never asking for payment. He gave of himself for the success of
Carnival and for his community which he loved. This he did
tirelessly for many years. He took pride in what he could contrib-
ute.
One of Willie's pastimes was writing poetry, which appeared
in the local newspapers. These were sometimes commentaries on
local events, but more often dedicated to friends or to outstanding
members of our community. He was somehow embued with the
poetic abilities of his middle name of Emerson.
He was an astute politician without portfolio and an avid and
dedicated supporter of the late and Honourable Cyril Emmanuel
Kin. Yes, Willie could be counted on for keen observations on the
local scene.
After Willie retired from the V.I. Water and Power Authority,
he kept himself busy by supplying the banks and various other
customers with newspapers, and in so doing made many friends.
Heoften failed to collect for his services. He was a familiar figure on
lower Main Street early in the morning, as many of us went to work,
pausing to exchange some pleasantry as he made his deliveries. He
was a self-respecting man who gave respect to others and so gained
the respect of those with whom he came in contact
Mr. Pickering will long be remembered in this community. He
is survived by three sons: Alan, Albert and Walter, Jr., who reside
on the U.S. Mainland; two daughters: Beverly, who resides in
Puerto Rico, and Jacqueline, stationed in Virginia with the U.S.
Army. He also has many other relatives and friends too numerous
to mention.
May he rest in'peace.

Pa(e 2




=<(WEP

Survivors
DAUGHTERS
Beverly Pickering / Jacqueline Pickering

SONS
Alan Pickering / Albert Pickering
Walter Pickering, Jr.
... and other relatives.



Pallbearers
Albert Pickering / Walter Pickering, Jr.
Jose Figueroa / Enrique Richards
Albert Richards / John Richards



Order of Service
Rev. Gaston Fahie
HYM N ...................................................................... "Amazing Grace"
PRAYER
EULOGY
HYMN....................................................... "Nearer My God To Thee"
SCRIPTURE
HYMN ......................................."What A Friend We Have in Jesus"

HYMNS AT THE GRAVESIDE ...
"How Great Thou Art"
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee"

Page 3













ALzxANDam A. FAamu.L


O0NRNMENT UE O4USE ATE AMAOJE
T UNITED SWIS VIRGIN ISUNOS




It is with a great sense of loss that I extend my
deepest sympathies to the family and friends of
Mr. Walter "Willie" Pickering. He will long remain in
the hearts of Virgin Islanders for his many
contributions throughout the 40 year history of the
St. Thomas Carnival.
Mr. Pickering was a man who made friends every day
by being the polite person many people admired. He
always seemed to have a cheerful disposition and always
offered everyone that he encountered a pleasant good
day.
On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands,
Mrs. Farrelly joins me in mourning the passing of
Mr. Walter "Willie" Pickering. This Territory has lost
a devoted servant. May he rest in peace.




Z04... 4,f..


Page 6








eislature of the Virgin lsambe
CAPITOL BUILDING
P. O. Box 477
Charlote Amalie. SL Thonms
U. S. Virgin islands 00801
------0------
0




MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE PRESIDENT



On behalf of the members and staff of the Nineteenth
Legislature I offer heartfelt condolence to the family and many
friends of Willie Pickering.

"Sweet Willie," as he was affectionately known to so
many of us in this community, provided a strong link to the pas
using his own special brand of humor and wit. Willie Pickering
has ensured his rightful place in Virgin Islands history through
the many good deeds he performed in our community.

His lively and cheerful spirit has generated a great
deal of love and caring for many of us. Carnival in the Virgin
Islands was made more festive because of his infectious joy and
merry-making. We will miss him, but "Sweet Wille" will never
be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace


Since Pely.



Vrdin Brown
President
19th Legislature






















GOODBYE, DADDY ...
Your time has come
for God to take you away.
You were always there by our side whenever we needed you.
We loved you and will miss you.
Rest in peace.

... Your Children




















Supreme Printing 774-3441


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