Randolph Stanislaus Pickett

Randolph “Stanislaus” Pickett, also known as Randy, Cousin Randy, Papa Pickett and most importantly simply Papa, one of Guyana’s finest was born on January 27, 1945. Randolph Pickett set off on a journey of love, highs and lows, lots of laughter and memorable moments in between. On May 11, 2021, Randy has returned home to his maker, our heavenly Father above.

As we part ways, we shall remember the good times that we’ve shared with Randy and the huge impact he has had on all of our lives. This may be a goodbye, but we shall celebrate him and his life.

Randy was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana to Ms. Joyce Pickett in 1945. He was surrounded by a huge family of aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and grandparents in one house which automatically made him super close to his family and instilled the importance of family in his life. He had three children, Joycelyn, Patrick, and Noel while in Guyana. By the mid 70’s, he had relocated to the busting city of New York City for a better life and opportunity for his children and the rest of his extended family. Along the way, he met a lovely woman who would later become his wife until her untimely passing, Mary Francis Gadson. Mary had two children already, Devant and Burnitta Gadson, who Randy stepped in to raise them as his own.

Randy was and always will be the life of any party. Ones he threw or the ones he went to, Randy was going to have a good time either way. Music was a major part of his life. He collected vinyl records from almost every genre and don’t get me started on his impersonation of James Brown. If it was only for a few minutes, his stereo would be on playing music, loudly, just to set the mood and yes, if you were with him, you better be prepared to dance! If you could get up and dance, all worries would go away and he lived by that.

We call him GT Finest because of how he carried himself. He would buy fabric and go to a tailor to get his clothes custom made; no one could copy him. His Kangol hat, signature Aramis cologne and a pair of Clarks. He was dapper. Oh, and if he needed a haircut, he would simply do it himself with a raw blade. Tell me that isn’t talent?

Clothes, music, food, storytelling, and watching Matlock were a specialty of his. Every holiday, he would ask his grandchildren what they wanted to eat. Curry Chicken and Cook Up rice was a must. You just couldn’t ask him to make roti, as he said he didn’t know how to do that. Other than that, Papa never missed a beat.

As he became older, instead of being called Randy, Papa was his new name as that is what his grandchildren called him. He truly took on the role of being an amazing grandfather. He made sure that his grandchildren never went without, going as far to take them shopping for school, giving money, making meals and surprising them with snacks when they least expected it. Up until his final days, he was still doing that.

Randolph Pickett leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters; Joycelyn Pickett and Burnitta Gadson, two sons; Patrick Pickett and Devant Gadson. Son-in-law, Aliou Coulibaly and daughter-in-law, Tamara Gadson and Sharon Pickett. Between all four children, thirteen grandchildren are left behind and eight great-grandchildren. He leaves behind two brothers; Colin and wife, Molly Stewart, Aubrey Stewart and family. He leaves behind two aunts; Yvonne and Joseph Grant, and Shirley James and family. He leaves behind two uncles; Arthur Pickett and wife, Joyce Pickett, and Patrick Pickett and family. He leaves behind Rosie Pickett, daughter of Vivian Pickett and an army of the Pickett clan.

May Randolph Pickett be remembered for the way he’s lived life and the happiness he has given all, emphasizing that he is a child of God while being the amazing man that he was.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-7

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