Elizabeth M. Pyke

Please use this link for service after 11:00 AM Click Here Elizabeth M. Pyke was born December 1, 1924 in Grand Ridge, Florida to Jefferson E Pyke and Theodocia Pyke. She was the only girl with 8 brothers. She was 7th of 9 total children. Her brothers Charles, Walter, Earl, Ed, Paul, Gene, Buck and Willard. The family moved to Mascotte Florida in 1929 and the great depression occurred. She says she ate a lot of dried Lima beans, black-eyed peas, cornbread and biscuits during her childhood. Elizabeth graduated the 8th grade and continued to Groveland High in Lake County. There she played on the basketball team and was a glee club member and a cheerleader for the football team. The family moved to Miami in 1939 after several of her brothers already living in Miami urged their parents to move where housing and steady employment was already secured. She enrolled in Miami High but soon dropped out to care for her ailing mother and father. She was an active member at Evangel Temple in Miami. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Elizabeth worked from the age of 15 till her early 90's. Her first job was at Florida Linen Supply folding. During WWII she operated a Centerless Grinder making 20-millimeter bullets she eventually left due to the fact she was doing a better job than her male co-worker and receiving half the pay. She was a carpenter at Miami Ship Building making PT Boats. She was a Rosie the Riveter. She took flying lessons to become a skywriter and upon her final solo test the family begged her to postpone till later. She was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. She attended USO dances to dance with the arriving soldiers. She worked at Burdines and the Miami Post Office. She was a bookkeeper for her brother's businesses at Pyke Brother's and Son and at Gene's Wrecker Service. She was an office manager for her brother Charles and his Real Estate Office, later to become a Real Estate Broker and owner of Charles H Pyke Real Estate. She was a member of many clubs and organizations holding titles from President to treasurer and everything in between. She received many commendations and accolades throughout her life and was most proud of her inclusion to The Committee of 100 Women. Past recipients include Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Janet Reno to name a few. She was a BPW member, Hialeah Miami Springs Board of Realtors, & Fair Housing Board. She traveled the world with family and friends saying "I've been everywhere man". She is loved and adored by cousins, nieces and nephews, great great and great nieces and nephews. She is survived by her little brother Willard. She loved all her sis-in-laws and is survived by two Shirley and Beverly. She will be greatly missed is an understatement. She was the Matriarch of our huge family. She was cared for in her last years by a small angel army Calou, Sherlande Rose and Kathy and so many hero nurses. Our family thanks you for your loving care for our Sweet Sister and Aunt. Her faith and trust in Jesus Christ fueled her entire life. Her desire is that all would come to an accept the free gift given out of love for you and I. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00-4:00PM at the funeral home, Funeral Services will be held at Monday at 11:00AM at the T.M. Ralph Funeral Home 371 NW 136 Avenue Sunrise, Florida 33325. 954 587-6888. Burial will take place on Tuesday 11:00AM at Vista Memorial Gardens.