Amy Gilliam Pike, 62, passed from our lives March 31, 2019. A beautiful adventurous soul. A wonderful friend and companion. Amy believed in our God, Jesus Christ our Savior, the resurrection, and the life thereafter. She dwells amongst the Angels today.
Amy was preceded in death by her father, the Reverend Alvin J. Gilliam, from whom she inherited her love for travel and her mother, Mary Catherine, from whom she inherited her kind spirit and natural beauty. She is survived by her husband, Michael, the love of her life for 41 years of marriage, sister, Gayle Gilliam Rutledge (Mark), five nephews, two great nephews, and two great nieces.
Amy’s life adventure began growing up as an Air Force brat living in many locations. Born on an Air Force base in Casablanca, Morocco, she also lived in Texas, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Alaska, Mississippi, and California. Her adventures with her family resulted in her visiting 49 of the 50 United States.
Amy graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, majoring in Theatre and Elementary Education. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and was a Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity Sweetheart. At KWC she met Michael on a blind date which started a 44-year love story that lives on beyond her passing.
Amy taught elementary school for ten years, but gave up that career to become a Domestic Goddess, Avid Gardener, Dog Sitter, and Mother to her four “fur babies”. Amy loved raising her “Outlaw” back-yard chickens here in Owensboro. She was known for her love of animals, creative home decorating, culinary skills, her love of entertaining her friends with avant-garde themed parties, and her always present smile. She enjoyed ball room dancing, belly dancing, Civil War reenacting and having dinner with her many friends. She especially enjoyed fine wines and Michelin Star restaurants.
Amy’s world travels took her to many beautiful cities in Europe. An avid hiker, she camped north of the Arctic Circle and walked the trails and climbed the mountains of Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, California, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Alas, her short life left many roads un-traveled.
Amy’s fierce spirit, joyous attitude, optimistic outlook, and brave determination was never more evident than during her short battle with breast cancer. Throughout her fight she was always more concerned for those she loved than herself. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her family and many friends. A life too short, well lived.
The service will be at Noon, Saturday, April 6 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will be Friday from 4 until 8 PM and Saturday after 11 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Alvin J. Gilliam Memorial Scholarship Fund at Kentucky Wesleyan College or The Daviess County Animal Shelter.
Memories and condolences for the family of Amy Gilliam Pike may be shared at www.glenncares.com.