Peggy Weddington

Peggy Joyce McDowell Weddington, 87, left this life and was carried up to her people on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Peggy was born on August 16, 1930 in Murfreesboro, TN. to Bessie and Buford McDowell.

Peggy demonstrated extraordinary grit and determination throughout her life. When her husband died in 1969, she rose to the challenges of raising 4 children on her own.  She owned and operated a submarine sandwich shop for many years in Jacksonville, NC. For a divorced woman in the late 1960s, not yet 40 years old, this was a remarkable accomplishment.

Peggy had a hemorrhagic stroke in 1987 at the age of 57. While her resulting physical disabilities complicated her life, they didn’t dampen her spirit. After the stroke, Peggy worked as a volunteer at the rehabilitation center in which she spent her own recovery. She was invited by a psychiatrist there to partner in a support group for new stroke survivors. Her role was to give guidance on successful living after a stroke, and she participated in the group for years. She also had a long association with the Physically Disabled Adults group of Charlotte, for which she served several terms as its president.

Peggy was a member of Harrisburg United Methodist Church. When Peggy began looking for a church to join, she visited many of them in the Harrisburg area. She chose Harrisburg United Methodist church because she liked the social activism she saw from them. One of her fondest memories was her involvement in establishing the church’s prison ministry and participating in the monthly visits.

Peggy is survived by:

Children: son Michael Weddington (Cindy) of Charlotte, her daughter Evelyn Stiller of Concord, her daughter Pat Weddington of Harrisburg, and her son Steve Weddington on Charlotte,

Grandchildren: Leanna Benoit (Doug), Brandon Stiller (Amy), Shannon Trimble, Heather Weddington, and Jason Weddington

Great grandchildren: Justine Morris, Dylan Trimble, Tristyn Trimble, and Emily Trimble

Great great granddaughter: Athena Hernandez

Nieces and nephews: Diane McDowell, Terri Malarchek, and Chip Henderson Grand Kitties: Stanley, Stella, Dos Boris, and Natasha

Peggy was predeceased by her only sibling, her sister Mary.

A memorial service will be held at Harrisburg United Methodist Church. 4560 Hwy 49 S. Harrisburg, NC 28075 on February 17, 2018 at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Harrisburg United Methodist Church would be appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of: Pat Weddington at 8282 Scarlet Oak Ct. Harrisburg, NC. 28075.