Barbara Pike Obituary

Barbara Burns Pike CHARLESTON - "The lord is kind and merciful." Psalm 103 Barbara Burns Pike, 75, passed away on July 20, 2025 in Knoxville, TN. Her family is heartbroken. Barbara was born on September 25, 1949 to Agnes (Pratt) and Lofton "Pappy" Burns in Laredo, Texas. She was one of four children with whom she shared close relationships throughout her life. The family moved to Charleston, SC when Barbara was a child. She attended Bishop England High School where she was a member of the dramatics club and honor society. Barbara married Hunter Pike of Newnan, GA in the spring of 1968. They would go on to have 2 children during their 13-year marriage and remained friends as they parented together after separating. Barbara's professional life commenced when the family moved to Columbia, SC. There, she had a dynamic career as an accountant with the burgeoning LPA group. It was during this time in Columbia that she met her second husband and true companion, David "Dave" Whitenack. Barbara and Dave enjoyed 13 years of marriage filled with travel, lots of Gamecock football games and so much laughter. She was also delighted with her "bonus" children and grandchildren. Upon Dave's passing in 2005, Barbara returned to Charleston to help her sister, Annette, care for her aging mother. Barbara and Annette cared for each other as sisters until Annette passed away in 2023. Barbara's greatest achievement was her family. She had a strong relationship with all of her siblings, particularly Annette, who was also her best friend. She loved and supported her children unconditionally. The greatest loves of her life were her four granddaughters: Evie, Holly, Laine and Frances. She loved participating in their lives any way that she could. Whether it was watching them play soccer or perform in plays, she was their biggest fan. She treasured her girls. Barbara was an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Women's Guild. She served her church and community alongside her sister. She was a member of the Serra Club, enjoyed participating in lively bible studies, and especially loved her role as judge of the Blessed Sacrament School writing contest. Barbara's faith was strong and she truly loved living it out with the women of Blessed Sacrament. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and "Pappy"; sisters, Annette Burns and Julia Hamilton; and husband, Dave Whitenack. She is survived by her son, Jeff (Natalie) Pike; daughter, Geri (Jon) Moss; grandchildren: Evie Moss, Laine Moss, Holly Pike, Frances Pike; brother, William (Judi) Burns ; brother-in-law, Jack Hamilton; nephews, Steve Burns, Scott (Cassie) Burns, Jackson Hamilton; "bonus children and grandchildren", Robin (Ron) Mitchell, Hunter Hartman, Amber (Josh) Brown, Landon Brown, Tammy Whitenack, Jeff (Katrina) Whitenack and their 5 daughters, 8 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, James Island. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Monday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy., Charleston. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365. If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to deliver all flowers to the funeral home between 10AM and 2PM, Monday, July 28th.