Albertina Iona Pye

Albertina Iona Pye, age 68, a resident of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Life Care Center of Columbia.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Campground Cemetery in Culleoka. Her body will lie in state on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 5-7PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on June 20, 1950 in Maury County, Iona was the daughter of the late Mike Covey Birdsong and the late Mary Maude Baxter Birdsong. She was educated through the Maury County School System, graduated from Culleoka High School, and attended Columbia State Community College. Better known as “Granny” by some, she was best known for her wonderful fudge.

She is survived by her husband: Billy Pye; sister: Amanda Pegram; devoted niece: Mary Birdsong; nieces and nephews: Vikki (David) Ford, Regina Mitchell, Jerry Dwayne Mitchell, Cedric Hawkins, Chinita Birdsong; and a host of great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Cecil D. Birdsong, Mike Covey Birdsong, Jr.; sister: Pearlie Mai Mitchell; and nephew: Ray Watson.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers and nieces will serve as flower girls.