Obituary of Audrey Gray Lyke

Audrey Gray Lyke, age 94 of LaSalle Michigan passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. She was preceded death by her parents, Paris and Cornelia Shoffner; her husband of sixty-six years Emerson Ray Lyke; a sister Frankie (Shoffner) Anteau; and an infant brother.

Audrey, affectionately known as “Georgie”, was born on September 24, 1930 in Middlesboro, Kentucky and eventually settled in Monroe, Michigan.

She worked for several years as a Michigan Bell telephone operator, and on September 4, 1952, she married the love of her life, Emerson Ray Lyke. Shortly after, they began a family and she began a new career as a mother, to which she dedicated the rest of her life. As a devoted mother to her children and “Mamaw” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved to laugh, play games (she was a card shark at Old Maid), and always put others first. Her home was the gathering place for friends and family especially during the holidays; nobody ever left hungry (a tremendous cook well known for her famous biscuits and gravy).

A devoted member of Bible Fellowship Church in Monroe, she loved to help with Sunday school and vacation Bible school. She and Emerson were avid gardeners, enjoyed preserving the harvest and often sending care packages home with visitors (especially green beans).

Preserving her memory are daughter Cynthia “Cindy” (Bud) Pugh of Powderly, Texas; sons Rock (Sue) Lyke of Newnan, Georgia and Jonathan (Terri) Lyke of LaSalle; and brother Hiram “Andy” Shoffner of LaSalle, Michigan.  

Eight grandchildren: Amy Callaway, Michelle (Andy) Ward, Travis Davis, Jeremy (Debra) Davis, Liston (Brittany) Davis, Nathan (Holly) Lyke, Daniel Lyke, Jacob Lyke,

 Seventeen great grandchildren: Alexis Callaway, Abagail Callaway, Katelyn Callaway, Braeden Ward, Aurora Davis, Addison Davis, Grayson Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Luke Davis, Rosemary Davis, Spencer Lyke, Hazel Lyke, Noah Lyke, Carter Lyke, and Logan Lyke, Karlie and Bella Aragon and a great-great granddaughter: Ryleigh Dollar.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.

A Celebration of Audrey’s Life will begin at 2:00pm also at Merkle’s with her son, Pastor Rock Lyke officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in Lasalle, Michigan for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.