Peggy Sue Burris

Our beloved matriarch, Peggy Sue Lowder Burris, 96, ran into the arms of our Lord and Savior, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Born on November 13, 1929, in Union County. Mrs. Burris was the daughter of the late Arlie Raeford and Eva Lugenia Tarlton Lowder.

Mrs. Burris was a graduate of Endy School. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Pfeiffer University and her master’s degree from UNC-Charlotte. She taught school for 33 years at Oakboro Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 4th grade. She could teach anyone to read and took great pride in her career. She also loved working in her yard tending her flowers, going to church, teaching Sunday school, spending time reading her Bible, enjoying her beach home, playing bridge and being with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burris was proceeded in death by her husband of 49 years, Joe Burris in 1995, her grandson, Damon Smith in 1996, brother, Jack Lowder in 2006, and son-in-law Gary Medlin in 2019.

She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Pam Medlin, Rita Griffin (Don) of Albemarle and Marilyn Hatley (David) of N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Affectionately referred to as Nan, she is also survived by four grandchildren, Chad Hatley (Jackie), Aaron Medlin, Blair Smith and Neil Medlin; six great-grandchildren, Gavin Smith Whitley (Ellen), Sam Kimmer, Sawyer Kimmer, Joe Medlin (Shana), Hunter Medlin, and Amelia Hatley. She was also blessed with 6 great-great grandchildren, Rayna and Lena Kimmer, Haevyn Batten, and Nate, Thea, and Jesse Smith Whitley. She is further survived by two beloved nieces, Sandy (Charles) Page and Cindy Russell.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church building fund, 17236 Frog Pond Road, Oakboro, NC, 28129, Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. 1st Street, NC 28001, or the charity of their choice

The family will receive friends at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 1pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, followed by the service at 2pm. A private internment will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory