Virginia Pickett Council, Child of the Covenant, died at home, August 9, 2020, after an extended illness. She was the sixth child of John Monroe Council, Jr. (Jack) and Marjorie Moore Council, both of whom preceded her in death, and the step-daughter of Dorothy Sutherland Council of Cumming, Georgia.
Pickett graduated from Hallsboro High School and North Carolina State University. She was a retail banker with United Carolina Bank, then assistant editor in publishing in New York City, where she was known to some as the Bard of Waccamaw. Returning home, she served Council Tool Company for twenty years as Vice President of Sales and Administration, pioneering this role in the traditionally-male hardware industry. After retiring, she began a new effort, purchasing Tip Top Florist in Whiteville. However, tool-making remained in her blood and she divided her time between both until Tip Top closed after Hurricane Florence.
A lifetime member of Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church, where she served as Elder, Pickett was a trustee of Southerneastern Community College, board member of the North Carolina State University Library Fund, and member of numerous civic and professional organizations. She was a pianist, gardener, Zumba leader and, above all, devoted dog whisperer. Pickett loved dogs and they loved her. She also loved to laugh.
Survivors include four siblings: Susan Alston Council of Providence, RI, Margo Council Wright and Richard of Tabor City, Nancy Council Rix and Jim of Raleigh and Lake Waccamaw, and John Council III and Lori of Wilmington. One sister, Harriett Wilkes Council, preceded her in death. Pickett is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and their spouses, eight great-nieces and great-nephews, four step-siblings and their spouses, two uncles and a host of cousins and lifelong friends.Loving, exuberant and generous to all, she was beloved in return.
The family is grateful to the physicians and staff of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, Columbus County Regional Healthcare and to the Lake Waccamaw Rescue Squad. We are also grateful to McKenzie Mortuary for final support.
The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church, the John M. Council,Sr. Scholarship Fund at Southeastern Community College, Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry, or Lake Waccamaw Rescue Squad.
Due to the coronavirus, a celebration of Pickett's life will be held at a future time.
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