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Peggy Howard Obituary
Nashville, TN
Peggy Ellington Howard passed away December 31, 2014 at her son's home in Freeland, MI after a lengthy illness at the age of 71 years. She was the eldest daughter of the late Ralph and Eloise (McNeer) Ellington. She was born May 30, 1942 in Durant, Mississippi. Peggy completed her education with a Bachelor of Science degree graduating from the Mississippi State College for Women, now known as the Mississippi University for Women in the spring of 1964. Following graduation she began a long career with the Mississippi Economic Council where she had a number of accomplishments. Later in her career Peggy was deeply involved in the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, which promotes greater student understanding of finance and economics. At the time of retirement Peggy held the title of Senior Vice-President. Following retirement Peggy and her mother relocated to Nashville, Tennessee where she dedicated herself to the care of her mother. After her mother's passing Peggy enjoyed traveling and vacationing with family and friends. She was particularly fond of the beach. Peggy is survived by her son, Johnathan Todd (Cheri) Howard of Freeland, Michigan; a sister, Donna Ellington (Mike) Rucker of Nashville, Tennessee; a brother, Samuel (Susan) Ellington of Houston, Texas. She was the grandmother of Bailey Howard, Elli Howard and Brandyn Kearney. She was loved by a number of nieces and nephews as well.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 11, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Durant, Mississippi. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that memorial gifts be directed to Dr. Lei Zheng's pancreatic cancer vaccine research at the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to the John Hopkins University with a memo indicating that the gift is in memory of Ms. Peggy Howard, to benefit Dr. Lei Zhengs's research, and mail to the Kimmel Cancer Center Development Office, 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peggy Howard
September 12, 2014
You will always be remembered Peg! I miss you and love you! Stephanie
Stephanie Wilson
September 12, 2014
I just learned of her death today. I have been trying to track her down. I worked for her at MEC and she was like my mother, my inspiration and mentor. I am crying as I read this thinking I never got to say goodbye, nor help through her illness. She was a great woman, mother and grandmother, the best example to follow. I am very saddened. She will always be in my heart and thoughts. I love you Peg!!!
January 12, 2014
Peggy and I net at one of her MEC projects - Summer institute -- in the summer of 1982. Our friendship -- which spanned over 31 years -- has been the treasure of life. Quite simply , I loved her -- still love her even though she is gone to dance on Heaven's beach and organize activities there. There is a deep void in the lives of all of us who loved and knew her. Peggy was the BEST at everything she was involved in or connected to. I pray for strength and comfort for Todd, Sam, Donna, and the grandchildren. Their loss is great. I also pray for her extended family -- they are hurting , too.
Jennifer Janney
January 12, 2014
I just learned today of Peggy's passing, and I am so sorry to hear it. In Peggy's later years, she worked babysat for my two young daughters, and we all fell in love with her. She started with us when she was in remission and had to stop when her illness returned last year. She was such a blessing to our family, and she will be missed.
January 8, 2014
Lisa Jones
January 6, 2014
Todd, Cheri, Bailey, Elli and Brandyn,
I grieve with each of you at the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. Peggy was a one-of-a-kind person. I worked with her at MEC years ago right after I got out of college. We never lost touch with each other. I worked with her again from 2003-2006. Her work ethic, her standard for excellence, positive attitude and practical tips for just about anything will always be an example to me. Peggy was the great problem-solver -- she always looked for (and usually found) the best way to tackle things. And, that included the very way she lived her life. She loved God and her family. I feel so privileged to have known her these years and to have called her my friend. Take comfort in the fact that Peggy is now better than ever with God, and that in Christ, we will see her again. God bless each of you.
Blake Wilson
January 6, 2014
Sent to the MEC Membership -- the many lives Peggy touched -- Via E-Newsletter Today
We Mourn the Loss of Long-Time
MEC Executive Peggy Howard
Although she retired in 2005, long-time MEC staffer Peggy Howard's presence and contributions are still very much felt at MEC and in the business community in general. She passed away on New Years Eve after a long illness, throughout which she remained a positive beacon as she was each day of her nearly 40 years on staff here at MEC.
Peggy is the only MEC staffer to have worked with all three presidents of the organization in its more than 60 year history - M.B. Swayze, Bob Pittman and me. It was truly a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with such a committed professional. She made my transition here at MEC much easier - and she accepted the changes we brought with the most positive and professional of attitudes.
She was a consummate professional and her reach extended beyond her work at MEC to the Jackson Chapter of Executive Women International (EWI), where she played an active role, including as president.
When she retired, she was Senior Vice President of MEC and COO of the MEC's MB Swayze Foundation, where she served admirably. She directed the STAR Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program and many economics education efforts once offered as part of MEC's program of work. The now independent Mississippi Council on Economic Education today continues much of the economics education work that she pioneered. She also worked with a team of dedicated volunteer educators and business leaders in creating Imagine U - The Quest for Character, one of the first character curriculum programs used in Mississippi public schools.
When the Public Education Forum of Mississippi became an operating partner of MEC, Peggy took over the operational responsibility for the organization and launched the successful Mississippi Scholars program, which encourages high school students to take a more rigorous course of study and recognizes them for their accomplishments. Since its inception nine years ago, the program has recognized over 23,000 high school students in Mississippi, who were better prepared to follow a STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - course of study. Peggy also directed the MEC's Leadership Mississippi program for several pivotal years, transitioning the program to involve more alumni.
In her history with MEC Peggy left an indelible mark, particularly with the STAR program. Every spring as hundreds of STAR students and their STAR teachers gather to be recognized for achievement, we fondly remember the care and attention Peggy brought to this program to make it the success it is today. Thanks to her dedication and hard work in developing the STAR program over the years, it has continued to improve with each passing year, becoming one of the premier student-teacher recognition programs in Mississippi.
When Peggy retired, MEC gave her flowering trees to be planted in her new home in Nashville, TN so that she would be reminded of many students who blossomed as the result of the STAR program over the many years. We will continue each year to remember Peggy's wonderful contributions to MEC - particularly in the springtime as the STAR program is conducted - and recall her nurturing approach that helped MEC and all of us as staff members blossom over the years.
It is in this spirit that we offer our most heartfelt condolences to her son, Dr. Todd Howard and the rest of her family.
Keep the faith.
Blake
Susan Womack
January 6, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Peggy on a collaborative project between the Public Education Forum and Parents for Public Schools of Jackson which I was Executive Director of PPSJ. I feel truly honored that our paths crossed and I had the opportunity to know her. She was a wonderful person. My sincere condolences to Peggy's family.
Blake Wilson
January 6, 2014
SENT TODAY TO THE 8,000 MEMBERS OF THE
MISSISSIPPI ECONOMIC COUNCIL VIA OUR
REGULAR E-NEWSLETTER
We Mourn the Loss of Long-Time
MEC Executive Peggy Howard
Although she retired in 2005, long-time MEC staffer Peggy Howard's presence and contributions are still very much felt at MEC and in the business community in general. She passed away on New Years Eve after a long illness, throughout which she remained a positive beacon as she was each day of her nearly 40 years on staff here at MEC.
Peggy is the only MEC staffer to have worked with all three presidents of the organization in its more than 60 year history - M.B. Swayze, Bob Pittman and me. It was truly a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with such a committed professional. She made my transition here at MEC much easier - and she accepted the changes we brought with the most positive and professional of attitudes.
She was a consummate professional and her reach extended beyond her work at MEC to the Jackson Chapter of Executive Women International (EWI), where she played an active role, including as president.
When she retired, she was Senior Vice President of MEC and COO of the MEC's MB Swayze Foundation, where she served admirably. She directed the STAR Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program and many economics education efforts once offered as part of MEC's program of work. The now independent Mississippi Council on Economic Education today continues much of the economics education work that she pioneered. She also worked with a team of dedicated volunteer educators and business leaders in creating Imagine U - The Quest for Character, one of the first character curriculum programs used in Mississippi public schools.
When the Public Education Forum of Mississippi became an operating partner of MEC, Peggy took over the operational responsibility for the organization and launched the successful Mississippi Scholars program, which encourages high school students to take a more rigorous course of study and recognizes them for their accomplishments. Since its inception nine years ago, the program has recognized over 23,000 high school students in Mississippi, who were better prepared to follow a STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - course of study. Peggy also directed the MEC's Leadership Mississippi program for several pivotal years, transitioning the program to involve more alumni.
In her history with MEC Peggy left an indelible mark, particularly with the STAR program. Every spring as hundreds of STAR students and their STAR teachers gather to be recognized for achievement, we fondly remember the care and attention Peggy brought to this program to make it the success it is today. Thanks to her dedication and hard work in developing the STAR program over the years, it has continued to improve with each passing year, becoming one of the premier student-teacher recognition programs in Mississippi.
When Peggy retired, MEC gave her flowering trees to be planted in her new home in Nashville, TN so that she would be reminded of many students who blossomed as the result of the STAR program over the many years. We will continue each year to remember Peggy's wonderful contributions to MEC - particularly in the springtime as the STAR program is conducted - and recall her nurturing approach that helped MEC and all of us as staff members blossom over the years.
It is in this spirit that we offer our most heartfelt condolences to her son, Dr. Todd Howard and the rest of her family.
Keep the faith.
Blake
Patricia Rucker
January 6, 2014
I will miss her beautiful smiling face!
January 6, 2014
May the God of comfort be with you at this difficult time.
January 6, 2014
Todd,
Peggy was such a sweet person! I consider it a privilege to have known her. Your mom was a role model to Nancy and Jamie as they both worked for her at the Economic Council during high school and college. They recalled so many humorous moments they shared with Peggy....yet she taught them so much about work ethics and leadership. Please know how sorry we were to hear about her illness and passing. Our sympathy is being sent your way.
Leon & Cristie Rabalais (Hillcrest)
January 6, 2014
I will always remember your kindness and your friendship to me as a newcomer to Durant, MS, and Durant High School in 1959-60. Your smile, Peggy, always lit up the room you entered! Praying GOD'S blessings on your son and grandchildren...and siblings' families!
T Williams
January 6, 2014
My condolences. You can find comfort at Ecclesiastes 9:5.
Jack Elliott
January 6, 2014
Peggy was the best of friends, a tireless worker and one of the bravest people I have known. God Bless You
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