Funeral Services for Alva Nell McQueen, age 87, of Picayune, Mississippi, who passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Picayune Estes Chapel.

Visitation will be at the church prior to the service from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.

Burial will be in New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

A native of Picayune, Mississippi, she spent her final years in Waxahachie, Texas under the care of her daughter. She was well known in Picayune as the prominent owner of the “The Colonial Shoppe”, a bridal registry and gift shop for more than 20 years. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Picayune, serving in the children’s ministry and as a member of her beloved Sunday School Class, “The Truthseekers”. She was passionate about her belief in Christ and sharing her faith with others. She was also known by the family as a “prayer warrior” and truly possessed the faith “a mustard seed”.

After her retirement, she dedicated hundreds of hours as one of the first volunteers at the Pregnancy Support Services Center in Picayune. Her love was displayed as she managed the clothing closets and laundered donated infant clothes to help those in need.

Her life was greatly dedicated to her children and grandchildren. In her quiet, gentle way she was a Christian mentor and lent strength to each.

She finished most days crocheting and quilting, creating personalized quilts and crocheted blankets for her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Elmer Mitchell and Aretha Stockstill Mitchell; her husband, Leon (Buddy) McQueen; a sister Evelyn Mitchell Howard and two brothers, Arthur and Horace Mitchell.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Melissa McQueen Karney (Lou); her sons, Kelly McQueen Kenny McQueen (Pat); six grandchildren: Marlo Lee (Jimmy), Chanda Luke Butler (Rickey), Lindsey McQueen Slanker (Mike), Christopher McQueen (Kerri), Jessica McQueen Sessums (Benji), and Matthew McQueen (Gabrielle); 13 great-grandchildren: Dakotah, Tiffanie, Rickey, Rylan, Richard, Walker, Claire, Brannan, Greyson, Charlotte, Christopher, Ella Grace and Emmeline; two great-great grandchildren: Autumn and Summer Lee; her sister Ercell Mitchell and brother, Billy Mitchell; life-long friends Abi Johnston and Sybil Stockstill; and numerous family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sav-A-Life of the Pearl River Area 1101 Goodyear Blvd, Picayune, Mississippi 39446, or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Fund at the First Baptist Church of Picayune, 401 Goodyear Blvd, Picayune, Mississippi 39466.