Elizabeth Irene “Snookie” Pike (Mammaw) was born on August 27, 1937, in Tennessee to Francis Viola Yoon, age 16, and Woodrow Pike, age 20. She would be the oldest of three girls. Her sisters were Betty and Pat.
She met her future husband, as legend says, on a double date. Thomas Ray “Shorty” Pyron (Pappaw) would court her until she graduated high school, due to the fact that her mother told her she would not allow her to marry until she graduated and would sit behind her in class to make sure that she did. Persistence paid off (good things come to those who wait) and they were married on July 5th, 1956. She was 18, he was 24. They tried to get married on the 4th of July, but did not realize the courthouse would be closed, so the 5th it was.
They lived in Memphis, TN (Elvis Country), and did not waste time starting their family. On July 30th, 1957, Ricky Lee “Grumpy” Pyron (Dad) was born. The phrase “One and Done” was coined soon after. Later in life, she would be blessed to live with and be cared for by her son Ricky for 22 years. She took care of him for 18, so I would say they’re even.
Mammaw loved to read. She read thousands of books over her lifetime. Her favorite was the Bible, and she wholeheartedly accepted its teachings. The remaining balance of books would allow her to experience far away, exotic places.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters, her husband, her daughter-in-Love Melinda, and Great Grand Daughter Skye. She leaves her legacy in the hands of her son Ricky, her Daughter-in-Love Jackie, her Sister-from-another-Mister Suzanne, Brian & Sandy, Nephew Michael Roane, Niece Amber Kincade, Grand Children Daniel & Karmen, Jessie & Justin, Josh & Ashley, Justin & Tara, and Great Grand Children, Azlinn, Cadyn, Emalinn, Nicholas, Nathan, Londyn, Keldyn, Sean, Serafina, Brielle, Maelinn, Brooklyn, Taylinn, Eli, Elise, Erilinn, Irelinn, Kimberlyn, Rigdyn, Brynleigh, and Isaac.
Those of us who remain will miss her presence. We will cherish the memories and time we were blessed to have with her.