Denise Renee Pickens, 54, of Wolcott, passed away at 2:25 PM, Thursday, March 30, 2017 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. She was born July 25, 1962 in Hammond, IN to Daniel Pickens and the late Karen (Boylan) Pickens. She was a 1980 graduate of Calumet High School.

Her marriage was to James Valdez, they later divorced.

Denise enjoyed spending her time talking with family and friends, going to the gym in recent months, and being with her cat. Most of all Denise loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving along with her father, are children, Jeremy (Farrah) McClain of Scottsdale, AZ, and Cherylynn (Thomas) Hernandez of Wolcott; sisters, Lyn (Joe) Ring of Calumet Township, IN, and Sharron (Tim) Newsome also of Calumet Township; grandchildren, Lucas, Logan, Elysia, and Bell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Karen Pickens.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.