Patricia Roberto

Patricia Denyse Pickel Roberto. Our Beloved daughter, Denyse, who was born on Aug. 10, 1965 in Knoxville, Tenn., passed away suddenly in her home on Friday, April 25, 2014. Denyse was a beautiful and compassionate young woman with a caring spirit. She had a great love for God and served him in church and her life. Denyse graduated from Farragut High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen for all four years. Denyse was a very popular young lady and loved by all. Upon graduation from high school she went on to attend the University of Florida and later the University of Tennessee. However, her love for art led her to attend and graduate from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She continued her passion for athletics by becoming a gymnast and a professional dancer. One of her greatest accomplishments was winning the Southeastern Reebok Dance Championship and then competing at Nationals on ESPN. She continued with her athletic endeavors by teaching gymnastics and running numerous national marathons. She traveled extensively and had the opportunity to ski the Swiss Alps. She owned an art welding business for many years. She also did high end metal art for numerous companies. She then owned and operated a small art gallery. She had continued her artistic talents by making and selling jewelry and custom painting. Denyse is survived by three wonderful children whom she loved dearly. Her children are, Staley McCartney and John Pearl, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Grantlyn McCartney, of Honolulu, Hawaii and Colton Roberto of Knoxville; her brother, Patrick Todd Pickel and Paulette, of Rockwall, Texas. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia Gideon, of Nashville, Tenn. and her father, Patrick Pickel and Peggy Pickel, of Knoxville, Tenn.; and her loving and devoted grandmother, Margaret Blevins Staley, of Niota, Tenn.; Numerous aunts, uncles, many special friends and her dog, Chance. Denyse will be sadly missed. Her spirit will live on in her art, the lives she touched through her love of God, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The family will receive friends at Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today April 29, 2014. A funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Doug Sager and Pastor Tim Earl officiating. Interment will follow in Niota Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the scholarship fund for continuing art education at The Art Institute of Atlanta located at 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30328 or to a charity of the givers choice. If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you may sign the guest register at www.smithfuneral&cremationservicesofathens.com. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens will be serving the family of Patricia Denyse Pickel Roberto.