Birth Date: 11/05/1931
Deceased Date: 10/30/2017
Peggy Ann Jordan Wilson, affectionately known by her family as Peg Peg, passed in peace October 30, 2017 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC.
She was born in Smithfield, NC on November 5, 1931. She graduated from Smithfield High School in 1950, and is credited with naming the School’s Annual “The Shield” (Smithfield High accompanied by the last letters in Smithfield). She also played on the girls basketball team. She earned a BS in Home Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (formerly known as WC) in July of 1954. After a five year courtship beginning her freshman year in college, she married Jesse L. Wilson of Rose Hill, NC on July 30, 1955 at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Jesse & Peggy began their family in Traveler’s Rest, SC with Jesse working as a Landscape Architect for Furman University, but they ultimately returned to her beloved community of Smithfield in 1968 following her mother’s death.
She worked part time as an artist at Hook’s Studio in Smithfield between 1969 and 1973. Following Jesse’s untimely death in August of 1973, she accepted a full time position at Johnston County Community Action, working as an Outreach Worker under Mr. Paul Keller. She later became Family Services Supervisor; and Planner/Projects Director.
Peggy unofficially retired from Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action on June 30, 2001. Community Service remained on her mind and heart, and Peggy returned to work on a part-time basis with the Head Start Program. Her co-workers called her a pure servant to her community, family, and friends. An inspiring example of love, loyalty, and friendship:
Matthew 25:35-40
35: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36: I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
37: Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38: When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39: When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
40: The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Peggy is survived by her two children, Elizabeth Turner Wright and Jesse Walter Wilson, two grandsons, Jesse B. Turner and Travis A. Turner, four adopted grandsons, Caleb W. Symonds, Joshua K. Wilson, Cainan W. Wilson, and Isaac R. Wilson, and three great grandchildren, Finn, Piper, and Juniper Turner.
Visitation will be held in the Wesley Hall at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield, NC on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Services will follow at 2:00 pm, and refreshments will be served shortly thereafter.
Arrangements will be handled by Parrish Funeral Home of Selma, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC and Faith Community Church, 2180 Steel Bridge Road, Clayton, NC are appreciated.
