Letha Allene "Peggy" Morris Stanford

Letha Allene Morris Stanford, known to most as Peggy, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 19, at the age of 101. Born on March 12, 1924, in Troy, North Carolina, and life-long resident of Durham, Peggy lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet strength.
A graduate of Durham High School, Peggy went on to serve the Durham Public Schools as a secretary at George Watts Elementary, where her kindness and grace touched countless young lives.
Peggy married the love of her life, Earl Alexander Stanford in 1947, and together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and tradition. She was the proud mother of four children: Carolyn Dale Stoneman and husband Patt, Kim Alexander Stanford and partner Connie Hawk, Morris Earl Stanford and late wife Holly and Charles Thomas Stanford and husband Bob Messerly. She was also a beloved grandmother to Cally, Whitney and husband Ben, Alex and wife Megan, and cherished her eight great-grandchildren. Peggy was also a beloved aunt to niece Valerie Morris. She was preceded in death by husband Earl, brother Fred Morris and wife Ruth, niece Cindy Howard and her parents, Fred and Mattie Morris.
As a lifelong devout Christian and a member of the former Calvary United Methodist Church (now Elizabeth Street UMC) from childhood, Peggy's faith guided her in life and service. She sang in the choir and was an active participant with United Methodist Women, embodying both spiritual commitment and community engagement.
Though quiet by nature, Peggy had a way of lighting up a room-whether with a joyful jig to a favorite tune or offering heartfelt advice that always came with understanding and grace. After raising her four children, Peggy and Earl found joy in travel, especially cruising together after his retirement in the early 1990s.
In her later years, Peggy was a vibrant member of the Croasdaile Village Retirement Community, where she spent cherished time with dear friends, playing cards, Bingo, and enjoying movie nights. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Croasdaile Village for their years of care and companionship, and especially to Linda Gossett, who lovingly cared for Peggy over the last several years.
A celebration of Peggy's life will be held at Elizabeth Street UMC, 1209 N Elizabeth St, Durham, NC 27701 on Friday, October 31 at 11:00 am]. Following the service, a reception will be held at Clements Funeral Home, 1105 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elizabeth Street UMC or to the United Methodist Retirement Homes Foundation c/o Croasdaile Village Benevolence Fund, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy, Suite A -500, Durham, NC 27705, in memory of Peggy's faith and joyful spirit.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham/Hillsborough. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.