Peggy Louise Barber Withrow entered her Father's arms on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2013, in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.
Peggy was born Nov. 20, 1942, in Greenhaven, Md., a daughter of her treasured 90-year-old mother, Lillie Mae Joseph Barber of Westwood, and the late Delbert Barber. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Edgar "Ed" Withrow, in 2009; her sisters, Connie Wells and Sue Roy; brothers Leo Withrow and Larry Withrow; and sisters-in-law Gaynelle Barber and Carolyn Withrow.
She was best known as Ms. Peggy to all of her day-care children at Wee Wisdom, where she worked until its closing, and then helped to open Little Angels Day Care & Preschool at Bridges Christian Church. She retired once and went right back to work. She couldn't stand being away from her kids at Russell High School and her lil angels at the day care center, where she most recently worked.
She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church (formerly Westwood Enterprise Baptist Church), where she leaves behind many brothers and sisters in Christ. Always remember her song, He Touched Me, and may her testimony of constantly relying on the Lord live on forever. When she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, she said, I will be a winner either way, if I wake up here or in the arms of Jesus. Whose better arms to be in?
Mom, you are a winner for life!
Her daughters will treasure their mother's guidance for the rest of their lives. Robin (David) Barber and Regina (Jeremy) Maynard will make sure Nanny's memory will live on in her grandchildren's lives. Nanny's angels are Madison, Reece, Gavin and Tori.
She is also survived by her brothers, Johnny Barber, Lonnie (Carol) Barber and Delmar (Connie) Barber; two brothers-in-law, Charlie Wells and Dorsie Roy; and a dear sister-in-law, Betty Gay Nunn. Her other family members include Judy (Ed) Kies, Shirley Withrow and Cork Withrow. Lorraine and Roger Tolliver of Beckley, W.Va., and their boys, RD and Brian, and their families were considered to be like her own family.
She also had several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and even a few great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She wanted to honor her niece, whom she treasured as her own daughter, Denise Roy-Meeks. She also leaves behind several close friends and special people in her life. A few to be mentioned are Ashley and her mother, Angie Vallance; Kazan McKinney; Rita Maynard; Missy and Rob Davis and their three sons, Ben, Robert and Jacob; Linda Kiser; and the Lunch Bunch.
A celebration of Peggy's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland, with words of comfort by the Rev. Roger Tolliver and Pastor Ivan Asbury. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 30, 2013, at the funeral home.
Contributions may be sent to Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
