Bicky Leigh Pickrel, 69, of Knoxville, Illinois, passed away at 1:13 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Bicky was born August 6, 1956, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Joan Bickert (Peterson) Hall. She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1974. On October 6, 1978, she married Stanley Pickrel in Henry County, Illinois.
In her earlier years, Bicky worked for Wong’s Café, the Knoxville Ice Company, and for Big John. She later began a long career at Gates Rubber Company, where she dedicated forty-four years of service before retiring on March 1, 2019. Her strong work ethic and commitment were well known by those who worked alongside her.
Bicky was a woman of faith and an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she also served as a member of the church council. She enjoyed knitting, spending time working in her garden, and the simple pleasures of home. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She especially loved supporting her children and grandchildren and could often be found cheering them on at their sporting events and attending their school activities.
Bicky is survived by her children, Joshua Ray (Rose) Pickrel of Knoxville and Amanda Jo (Tommy) Roberson of Galesburg; three sisters, Janice “JC” Caslin of Lake City, Florida, Tammie Hall of Live Oak, Florida, and Toni Sprenger of Greeley, Colorado; and three grandchildren, Madison Raye Pickrel, Ayden Ray Clark, and Jordan Lee Clark.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Bobbi Jo Hall.
In accordance with her wishes, Bicky has been cremated. She will be laid to rest next to her parents in the Knoxville Cemetery with a Private Family Graveside service. Memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel are assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
