Mary Frances Pirkle

Mary Frances Pirkle, age 79, of Cumming, GA passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025. She was a lifelong resident of Forsyth County, and one of twelve children born to the late Lee and Eldie Hammond.

Mary’s favorite things included being active in her church, Zion Hill Baptist, spending Saturday’s drinking coffee and watching HGTV with her best friend, Dale Thurmond, watching her Atlanta Braves religiously (every single game, even if she was on vacation), taking family trips to the mountains and being THE BEST Nona to her 9 grandchildren and one great grand baby, Sawyer. Though she loved them all equally, she had a special bond with baby Sawyer and the youngest grandchild, Pamela Marie. She loved hearing Pamela Marie play the piano and sing hymnals to her during her sickness. She enjoyed rocking Sawyer to sleep in her chair and listening to the sound of his feet running on the floor in the midst of her sickness. She found so much joy in her family, especially the babies. She couldn’t have been a better Nona if she tried. She was the purest definition of what a “Nona” should be. 

Mary was married to the love of her life, Donald Pirkle for 62 years. The love that they shared is something that only comes along once in a lifetime. They loved each other endlessly and lead by example, building a strong foundation for her whole family and being a shining example of what a marriage should be. 

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Pamela Pirkle Roland, son in law Terry Roland, and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Pirkle, daughter Tammi Vaughn (Drew), son Jeff Pirkle, grandchildren Caylee Roland, Ethan Roland, Levi Roland (Jessi), Macie Martin (Logan), Thomas Roland (Anni), Kelly Dalton, Dacota Tinsley (Samantha), Mary Grace Tinsley and Pamela Marie Vaughn and great grand baby, Sawyer Martin. 

Please join the Pirkle family and loved ones to celebrate her life on Sunday, January 19th at 2:00 pm. The service will be held in the chapel at Ingrams funeral home in Cumming, GA with Rev. Danny Jarrard, Rev. Gary Coffey, Rev. Sam Rickett and Rev. Stephen Davis officiating. Family prayer with Rev. Harold Bottoms. Interment to follow at Sawnee View Gardens with Rev. JT Simonds. 

The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Saturday January 18th from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm and on Sunday January 19th from 11:00 am until the time of service. 

Flowers are welcome, as Mary loved all of her flowers, but if you feel led to donate, you can make a donation to Zion Hill Baptist youth group as she loved and appreciated the children of the church and found so much joy in watching them grow up loving the Lord.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.