Esther Ann Pike

Esther Ann (McLeod) Pike, 96, in context of God's mercy and grace, peacefully departed this life Tuesday morning, January 28, 2014, surrounded by her family who loved her so much. Esther was a member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden. She was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord. She served in many positions, from Sunday School teacher for children to helping in Bible School until last year.Celebration of the Gift of Life for Mrs. Pike will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Collier-Butler Chapel. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens alongside her husband of 61 years, Clarence M. Pike Sr. The family will receive family and friends on this evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Mat Alexander and Rev. Larry Fuhrman will conduct the services with the Rev. J.T. Harrell to sing. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.Esther was born in Marshall County and grew up on the family farm. As a dedicated Christian, she built Bridges to God for every member of her family and extended family. She loved people, especially her grandchildren and "greats."She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence M. Pike Sr.; parents, Roger and Elma McLeod; five brothers; four sisters; and granddaughter, Lavanda (Pike) Groover.Esther is survived by two sons, Kenneth E. Pike and Ronald (Karen) Pike; stepson, Clarence M. (Peggy) Pike, Jr.; grandchildren, Steven (Donna) Pike of Pinson Valley, Ala., Sharon (Don) Owen of Rogersville, Ala., Suzanne Moore of Heflin, Ala., and Errol (Angie) Pike of Charleston, S.C.; great-grandchildren, Tana (Brandon) James, Jacob Pike, Lindsey (Andy) Holderread, Cory Groover, Emily (David) Pike, Savannah Owen, Daniel Owen and Jennifer Moore. She also leaves behind her cherished step-grandchildren, Shelly (Phillip) Jordon, Tim (Tammy) Cox, Chris (Cheryl) Cox and Kim (Craig) Morgan; and numerous great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren.Special thanks to the countless family and friends who prayed, visited and sent cards; the MICU Unit and ninth floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center; her Sunday School class; and June Styles.Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gadsden.Pallbearers will be Steven Pike, David Pike, Errol Pike, Jacob Pike, Tim Cox, Chris Cox, Don Owen, Daniel Owen and Andy Holderread.Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.