Mae Retha Mike was born May 2, 1952, to the late Willie and Mae Ella Mike in Tampa, Florida. Her early childhood was spent in Tampa, Florida until her mother, along with her siblings relocated to Thomasville, Georgia. After relocating to Thomasville, Mae joined the Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, and gave her life to Christ under the then leadership of the late Elder Frank Monroe, and eventually the late Elder Jimmy Simmons. Mae soon vested an interest in the choir, and into her adulthood she became an invaluable member of the infamous Mt. Zion #2 Choir. After serving faithfully for many years at Mt. Zion, Mae was led by the Holy Spirit in January 2000 to join Providence M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Emory Virgil. Mae continued her passion and desire to sing for God by joining the Providence M.B. Church Choir.

Mae did not believe in allowing her spiritual fruit to just hang idle, thusly she became intricately involved in several ministries at Providence M.B. Church. Mae's ultimate passion was seen not only in her worship, but also through working with youth and young adults. Mae's desire to help the youth and young adults of Providence was seen in varying capacities to include working with and becoming a Girl Scouts leader. Not only did Mae show and share her passion for youth and young adults, but also for the less trodden and people who were not as blessed as she was. This led Mae to also become very involved in mission work, to include the local and foreign mission ministries instituted under the leadership of Pastor Virgil.

Although Mae enjoyed her life serving God in the church, she believed in higher learning, therefore she completed her degree in cosmetology and Business. Mae utilized both degrees personally, but her passion for children was insurmountable. Mae was pertinacious with helping rear several children during her life, in so much they considered her their godmother. Mae furthered her knowledge in this area by obtaining certification for Child Care through Bright from the Start. Mae's endeavors were not based solely on financial acumen but making positive impacts in the lives of children in what she would call, "babysitting." Although Mae was a very straight forward, and spoke her mind without reservation, her love for people and God was seen in the work she did for Christ and others. Mae will be truly missed from the hallowed halls, and choir loft of Providence M.B. Church, and the lives of all she touched. Her uncompromising legacy, and life's lessons are lived by those she left behind on December 26, 2021, in Savannah, Georgia.

Mae's legacy is visible through her three children, Bishop Dr. Derrick (Dr. Natasha) Mike, Albany, GA; Sheila Mike, Charlottesville, VA; and Monte Mike, Augusta, GA. Her sibling connections remain through Cheryl Mike; Phyllis Scott; Gail Rutt; Michael (Chandra) Haywood; Hope Lawton; and Kenneth (Veronica) Mike. Mae's linage will continue through her grandchildren, Allesha Jackson; Jacinda Diaz; Chasani Mike; Queneria Mike; Zephaniah Mike; Kemarion Wright, Jiya Jackson and Jaylum Wright. The continuation of her life will expound through her vast tapestry of great-grandchildren; godchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends. Mae was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Annie Ruth Crews; Margie Mike Thompson; and William (Tony) Mike.