Camille Pickens Toro slipped peacefully into God’s heavenly kingdom on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, leaving behind 77 years and nine months of unconditional love for her family and friends. Her radiant smile could light up any room, and it did wherever she went. Camille lived her life to the fullest, comforted by the knowledge that God was with her every step of her journey.
Camille Pickens was born on November 7, 1946, to Mae and Murray Pickens in Greenville, Texas. She was the cherished firstborn grandchild in her family. Growing up in Greenville, Camille was a proud member of the Flaming Flashes. Coming from a musical family, she sang in a trio, played the piano, and was a member of the Kavanaugh and GHS Choirs. She graduated Salutatorian of her class and went to the school of her dreams, The University of Texas, where she was a member of the Iota Chapter of Chi Omega Sorority and earned the title of Ten Most Beautiful in 1967. After earning a Bachelors Business Administration and Minor in Education, she moved to Dallas and began her career at Peat, Marwick.
Camille married Tony Toro and moved to Plano, Texas. They soon welcomed their daughter, ”Her Gift” Paige. She became a devoted all-star mother and aerobic dancing instructor for 15 years before moving on to a successful career as a realtor, helping countless people find their dream homes and helping them decorate. Teaching Sunday School to third graders at Custer Road United Methodist Church for 30 years was a role she cherished for its opportunity to teach songs and stories about God and to ”Make a Joyful Noise!”.
Camille’s creativity knew no bounds. She choreographed epic talent shows for Paige, and numbers for any group she was a part of. She created a giant whale for Jonah and the Whale and adorned her yard with hand-cut, hand-painted 5-foot teddy bears for Christmas in her award-winning display. A Hostess Extraordinaire, Her Christmas, Easter, and birthday celebrations were always filled with love, great consideration, and joy.
She was President of The Plano Parks Foundation for over 20 years, Camille was also Regent of The Brig. Gen. Edward Bulkley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for 12 Years. She was a great genealogist who dedicated decades to finding and honoring her ancestors and appreciating family.
Unimaginable joy emerged in 2011 with the arrival of her first of three beloved grandchildren, who she considered her greatest blessing. Known as ”Mimi” she was devoted to her grandchildren attending every event with that great smile cheering them on.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Margery Mae Merrick Pickens and Murray Douglas Pickens. Camille is survived by her brother Gary Douglas Pickens (Sheryl), her daughter Paige Toro Bullough (Dale), her niece Merrick Pickens Porcheddu (David), her nephew Parker Douglas Pickens, and her beloved grandchildren Colt Douglas, Cade Whitfield, and Caroline Mae Bullough. She is also survived by a cherished, extensive, and devoted circle of beloved family and friends.
Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, Aug 17, 2024 at Kavanaugh Methodist Church, 2516 Park Street, Greenville TX with Dr. Ron Henderson officiating.
Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.
Interment will be at Memoryland Memorial Park, 808 W Jack Finney Blvd, Greenville, TX, following the service.
Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donations can be made in her honor to her two home churches, Kavanaugh Methodist Church and Custer Road United Methodist Church Plano TX.
