Amy Elizabeth Piper

When reflecting on Amy Piper, we think of her as kind, vibrant, generous, caring and, most of all, compassionate. Although she had many fine accomplishments, Amy was a humble and genuine woman who knew how to bring good humor and insight into any situation, and people truly appreciated her for that. She was deeply devoted to her family. Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Amy will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

In 1970, Jeffry and Jo Anne (McCrumb) Smith were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as winter held the small town of Vicksburg, Michigan, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived on January 21st when Amy Elizabeth made her arrival at Bronson Hospital. She was the older of two children in her family as her younger brother, Troy, completed their family of four.

Amy was creative and talented with an insatiable zest for life. She was a student in the Vicksburg Community Schools, and she was actively involved in music and drama. Amy was a vital part of the choir, as well as the Choraliers. This was a talented group of young singers who received standing ovations after every performance. Amy also loved the theater and was in many musical productions in the Vicksburg Schools starting with “Annie Get Your Gun” when she was in elementary. In High School, she acted in “Cinderella,” played a major role in “Once Upon a Mattress” and was the leading lady in “Bye Bye Birdie.” After high school, Amy attended Western Michigan University where she continued singing. Additionally, she joined the choral group that sang with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra called the KSO Festival Chorus. One of her greatest experiences was singing Mozart with the Chorus in Carnegie Hall.

Amy reconnected with Mark Piper, an old friend from high school, and they were later married in Key West. Together, they were co-owners of Piper’s Pizza in Goshen, Indiana, where they lived. Piper’s Pizza was a fun and challenging experience, where everyone who worked there was considered family, and days off were spent hanging out together and having fun. While in Goshen, Amy continued to play lead characters in local theater groups which she enjoyed greatly.

When the business market changed and Amy started suffering from health problems, Amy and Mark moved back to Kalamazoo. Eventually, Amy found herself in insurance sales, in which she excelled because of her outgoing personality.

After many years, Amy’s marriage ended. She spent time as a peer support specialist at the Sanctuary, which was a job she enjoyed. Amy’s work there also allowed her natural compassion and kindness to shine through. Although she continued to have health issues, they didn’t affect her sense of humor or her caring, compassionate, and genuine demeanor.

Amy enjoyed having long and deep conversations with family. She especially loved being “Auntie A” to her nephew and niece, Alex and Faith. In addition, Amy treasured the companionship of her dog, Gravy, who was her constant companion for the last several years. When looking to relax and unwind, she enjoyed reading classic novels.

A woman who was truly beautiful both inside and out, Amy Piper was a blessing to everyone she met. She used her gifts and talents to bring happiness and joy to those around her. Her compassion, beautiful voice, wonderful smile and terrific sense of humor will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Amy Elizabeth Piper, of Kalamazoo, died on February 19, 2015. Amy’s family includes her parents, Jeffry Smith & Jo Anne McCrumb; brother, Troy (Shannon) Smith; niece & nephew, Alexander & Faith; uncles, Jock McCrumb and Jed (Linda) McCrumb; aunt, Jennifer (Don) Gust, as well as many cousins. Visit with her family on Wednesday, February 25th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main Street (649-1697) where a funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Please visit Amy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory and sign her guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to CARES Foundation for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.