Mary Jean Alig

Mary Jean Milner Alig, 95 of Carmel, Graduated to Glory, Friday, December 6, 2024. She was born June 9, 1929 in Indianapolis to The Rev. Dr. Jean Shepard and Sue Swigert Lyne Milner. Her father, Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church for 41 years, claimed, “It was a mighty little fist that knocked me out of the pulpit that Sunday morning!” She often remarked how blessed she was to grow up in her fairy tale house on Meridian Street, graduate from Tudor Hall in 1947 and Wellesley College in 1951... AND to marry her prince charming, Vincent Boone Alig in 1952. Theirs was a life-long true love and romance! They were blessed with a family of four, whom she encouraged spiritually, intellectually and artistically from an early age.

Mary Jean’s community involvements were many. In the first half of her life, she was an active member and elder at Second Presbyterian Church. The Lord led Vince and Mary Jean to champion the lives of unborn children through involvement in Presbyterians Pro Life and Care Net which led them to attend E. 91st Street Christian and now Legacy Bible Church. Love for her community was also expressed through ministries such as Young Life, Wheeler Mission, prison ministry to name a few. She enjoyed membership in The Players, Dramatic Club, Contemporary Club, Indiana Woman’s Club and the Propylaeum. She was a past president of the NSCD-Indiana and a member in the Carolyn Scott Harrison Chapter of the DAR. She brought her family ancestry to life through amazing stories.

Mary Jean faith deepened though Bible Study Fellowship through which she found the Light and Life of Jesus Christ for her own life (John 1:1-5). The Light of Jesus Christ shone in, and was reflected by Mary Jean to many who knew her! It shone through the art of her relationships, service, generosity, letters and her talented use of paints & pastels, ink & etchings through which she captured glimpses of all Light’s varied, vibrant colors. In art and poetry, she depicted the beauty, struggle, joy and humor of human lives and nature’s many wonders. Even in her last weeks of life she created and gifted works of art to family, friends and her Barrington caregivers. Years ago, she had a powerful dream which gave her assurance and peace of her eternal life in Christ. When her beloved husband passed, she often said, “I didn’t lose him … I know where he is. I just can’t go there yet.” Now, though sad she is gone from us, we REJOICE she is with her Vincent in the presence of Jesus Christ “Forever, Always and Then Some!” as Vince always signed his letters to her.

Mary Jean is survived by her children: Christina S. (Rodney) Bakker, Mary Linda Ray (Carson, deceased), Rev. Vincent Steven (Ruth) Alig and Virginia Jean (David) Cain; grandchildren: Rev. Heather (Justus) Ghormley, Joshua (Signe) Bakker, Dr. Amanda (Joel) Austin, April (Ryan) Balthis, Lucinda Ray, Rosemary Ray, Zachary (Elizabeth) Alig, Alisa (Joshua) Burke, Anna (Drake) Boyer, Vincent Clark Alig, Dr. Daniel (Susan) Cain, Joy (Matthew) Starkweather; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Vincent Boone Alig, her parents, her brother Jean S. Milner, Jr., and her sister, Susannah L. Day.

Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday, December 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 am for visitation at Legacy Bible Church 13490 Howe Road Fishers, IN 46038, A Service of Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements made by Flanner and Buchanan of Carmel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School- 112 St. Labre Campus Dr, Ashland, MT 59003; Central Indiana Young Life – 136 S. 9th St. Ste 28, Noblesville, IN 46060; or Legacy Bible Church – 13490 Howe Rd.; Fishers, IN 46038