The Yellow Wall (A tribute to Judith J. Pickens) In many cases when we think of a wall, it is intended to divide, block or to separate. But I’m fortunate to come from a positive place where walls were built for kids to learn, grow and create. And yet out of all the walls our extended family built, bolstered and bridged over the years, one in particular comes to mind. It brought us together, made us laugh, helped us to grow as people and inspired hope in the good and bad times. It was called the Yellow Wall, a fitting name as the color and the leader it represented shined bright like a beaming sun. Her name was Judith J. Pickens, a passionate human being that gave warmth to all, who blazed trails for many and showed a diverse, talented group of personalities what it meant to become one. See to any guest who visited West Peachtree at the time, the Yellow Wall was simply a fixture in the middle of a floor. But to us it was so much more—a gathering spot, a celebratory altar, a place to lean on each other and a symbol that would unite us for years to come. But make no mistake, for Judith her vision of the Yellow Wall was never about a physical space because she understood all things man made come and go. The Yellow Wall is about the spiritual sense of connection, the power of creating community for one another, and harnessing our collective talents to do good for others and lifting those who need us most. This is one of her most powerful legacies. A symbol that will live within all of us. A family she inspired, empowered and led with a fierceness that only she could. And now Yellow Walls rise up in the teams we lead, the families we raise, the friends we gather, and the people we serve because of the foresight that one magnificent leader always understood. So here’s to you Judith, as you reconnect with Bobby and inspire the heavens with hope and grace. We will continue to celebrate you around our Yellow Wall and ensure your legacy will have its lasting place. Meeting at the Yellow Wall y’all. And be sure to bring bring cake. Judith’s life is a celebration and let’s live it that way. By Artis Stevens