Estelle Rickert

Estelle Pearson Rickert, 81, of Statesville, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Rickert was born June 23, 1930 in Wilkes County, NC and was the daughter of the late Claude Pearson and Chessie Whittington Pearson. She attended Scotts School until moving to Florida in 1945 and graduated from South Broward High School in 1948. On February 22, 1950 she was married to James Franklin Rickert, Sr., who survives of the home. Mrs. Rickert was a member of Snow Creek United Methodist Church since 1950, where she taught Sunday school and was a charter member of the Snow Creek United Methodist Church Women. In her earlier years she worked at her mother's grocery store, Pearson Market. She was also a charter member of the Field and Stream Garden Club. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Rickert is survived by two sons, James F. Rickert, Jr. (Carol), John L. Rickert (Derinda), two daughters, Patricia R. Benge (Rickey) Debbie R. Mason (Brian) all of Statesville, half-brother, Roger Pearson, two half-sisters, Sabrina and Joyce Pearson, sister-in-law, Sue R. McLain of Salisbury, brother-in-law Charles Rickert (Peggy) of Statesville, 12 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lisa Fraley and three sisters, Claudia P. White, Roberta P. Hines and Georgia P. Reece. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Snow Creek United Methodist Church with Rev. Brenda K. Brashear and Rev. Bob Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Robert Benge, Jamie Benge, Chris Mason, Matt Mason, John M. Rickert and James F. Rickert, III. The family will receive friends Friday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Snow Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o 885 Snow Creek Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or to the church or charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Maple Leaf Health Care, Dr. Carla Pence and Iredell Memorial Hospital for their love and care of Mrs. Rickert. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Rickert family.