Mary Catherine Gilley

Mary Catherine Gilley, a vibrant and happy spirit, peacefully departed this world on August 5, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. Born on August 25, 1933, in Glasgow, Kentucky, Mary was the cherished daughter of Ewell and Zula Pedigo.

As a seamstress, Mary’s gift for fine detail extended well beyond her professional world and into the fabric of her daily life. She found joy in the simplest acts of care, whether it was cataloging memories, feeding birds in her garden, tending to her beloved flowers, or watching the wonders of nature unfold around her.

With her beloved spouse, Clyde Dale Gilley, they cultivated a life centered on their family and their shared fondness for their farm. Their partnership was a testament to loyalty and mutual support, echoing through every season spent working the land side by side. Though Clyde has preceded Mary in death, along with their infant son, Robert Dale Gilley, the legacy of their union endures most tangibly in those Mary leaves behind.

Passionate about service and connection, she traveled on missionary trips, including visits to Indian Reservations. Her commitment to these journeys spoke volumes about her boundless empathy and hope for the world.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Martha Gilley (David Fiske); her grandchildren, Marin Fiske (Jimmy Turek) and Hunter Fiske (Courtney); and her great-grandchild, Patrick Fiske. Her nephews, Mike Johns (Joanne) and Chris Johns, as well as Mason, Bradley & Cadence Johns and Madison & Zooey Johns, will hold her memory dearly. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jerri Johns Huffman (Butch), and Magalene Gilley Shockley (David). She is also survived by her dear friends Marcie Hubbard, Charlotte Perkins, Lily Dillon, Diane Simpson, Kim Knott, and Raymond & Rocky Pierce. Mary’s close friendships were among her greatest treasures, and the loss of these dear souls never dimmed her immense capacity for kindness and connection.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ewell and Zula Pedigo; her loving husband, Clyde Dale Gilley; her infant son, Robert Dale Gilley; her brother, Billy Ray Johns; her sister, Cecil Dubree; her brother-in-law, Billy Jo Gilley; her nephew, Daryl Gilley; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Gilley; her father-in-law, Clyde Gilley. 

A visitation to honor Mary Catherine Gilley’s life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at A.F Crow & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place the same day at 2:30 p.m. at Big Meadow Cemetery.

Mary’s extraordinary life touched many and will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joyful service—echoes that will be cherished and remembered always.