Mary A. Pike

May 14, 1932 - March 10, 2022

Mary A. (Whitson) Pike, 89, of Monrovia, passed from this life on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in IU West Hospital due to complications sustained from a stroke. She was born in Portland, TN on May 14, 1932, to the late Noah H. and Minnie M. (Key) Whitson. Native to the lush landscape of the hills and hollers of Tennessee, Mary made the northern trek to Indiana at the tender age of 16 to babysit for her older sister. Introduced to her future husband and soulmate, Coleman, the two hit it off immediately and tied the knot on August 6, 1949. The young couple settled in Indianapolis, raising their happy family of 6 children. Settling in Monrovia when the kids established lives of their own, Mary found her joy in spending time outdoors, cultivating her gardens, canning the fruits of her labor, and mowing the lawn regularly, which she did until her passing. A masterful cook, she thoroughly enjoyed feeding her large family, and keeping an immaculate home. Although tenacious at times, she was an entirely independent and strong matriarch. She found peace in quilting, frequently sharing her handmade works of art with her family. Blessed to enjoy her grandchildren later in life, Mary loved her family deeply, and leaves behind a loving legacy. Along with her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband Coleman M. Pike; children Sheila Cole, Debbie Wise, and Rita Napier; siblings Bill, Howard, George and Billy Joe Whitson, Lola Mae Key, and Beulah Cantrell. She leaves behind her children Linda Clements (Mike) of Monrovia, Ronnie Pike (Brenda), and Randy Pike (Carmen), both of Solsberry; son-in-law Ray Napier (Lynn Russell); siblings Melvin Whitson (Jeanette), Millie Perry (Freddie), and Margaret McCoin (Alton), all of Portland, TN; eleven grandchildren; along with seventeen great grandchildren. Cremation and funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, with a time to share memories and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service beginning promptly at 4:00 p.m. Mary will be inurned at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall next to her beloved husband, Coleman, with private family services. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in her memory, please search @MonroviaFuneralHome on social media or visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.