Mrs. Nicole Pickens-Barnett

PICKENS-BARNETT, Mrs. Nicole - Age 55, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:30 AM Saturday, March 8, 2025, from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home 10:30 AM Saturday. Mrs. Pickens-Barnett will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday, March 7, 2025. Nicole Pickens-Barnett, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, was born on November 22, 1969, in New York City to Johnny and Josephine Pickens. She departed this life on February 17, 2025, surrounded by love at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Nicole’s journey was one of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family. She grew up in Flint, Michigan, where she attended Merril Elementary and Holmes Junior High before graduating from Northern High School in 1988. Always eager to learn and grow, she pursued further education at Mott Community College and Ross Medical School, becoming a certified Ophthalmology assistant. She found great fulfillment in her career until health challenges led her to retire, but her caring nature never faded. Nicole’s greatest joy was her family. She married the love of her life, Shannon Barnett. Together for four decade, they raised their two cherished sons, Shannon and Shalen. She was a devoted mother, ensuring her children always felt loved, supported, and encouraged. She took immense pride in their achievements, beaming with pride as her eldest graduated college and always tending to her youngest with care and devotion. Nicole’s warm and nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She was a caregiver at heart, lovingly embracing the children of family and friends as her own, especially her beloved goddaughter, Kiara. Her stylish presence was unmistakable—whether through her impeccable fashion sense, signature haircuts, or radiant personality. Though the only daughter among five brothers, she was their treasured gem, often winning every sibling debate with grace and charm. Her close bond with her “sister-cousins” Desiree, Robin, and Donna filled her life with sisterhood and joy. Music was one of Nicole’s great loves, with Anita Baker’s soulful melodies often filling her home and heart. She had a fondness for life’s little pleasures—her favorite Starbucks drinks and meaningful conversations with loved ones. Above all, she was the glue that held her family together, always striving for harmony, offering kindness, and making sure those around her felt cherished. Nicole’s legacy of love lives on in her: devoted husband, Shannon Barnett; treasured sons, Shannon L. Barnett II of Washington, D.C., and Shalen O. Barnett of Flint, MI; step-daughter, Constance Barnett and stepson, Deandre Wright of Flint, MI; and her adored grandchildren, Kimora, Noah, and D’mari. She is also survived by her loving mother, Josephine Randall; brothers, Alphonso, Anthony, and Patrick Pickens of Flint, MI; and a host of extended family, including her in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whose lives she touched deeply. Nicole now joins in eternal peace those who passed before her, including her fathers, Johnny Pickens and Henry Wade; father-in-law, Clyde Barnett; brothers, John and Eric Pickens; sister-in-law, Sharon Pickens; and beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; nephew, Dotwan Combs Sr.; and god-daughter, Kiara Love-Brezzell. Though she is no longer with us, her love, kindness, and vibrant spirit will forever remain in our hearts. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hurley Medical Center and Dr. Towfiq for their compassionate care. Nicole’s life was one filled with love, laughter, and strength. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the love she so freely gave.

Mrs. Nicole Pickens-Barnett

November 22, 1969 - February 17, 2025