Peggy Lynn Davis (Taylor)

Peggy Davis, our beloved mother and wife, was born on December 22, 1961 in Bastrop, Texas. Her parents, Delois and Reverend Charles Baker, instilled in her an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. Because of the values they instilled in her Peggy gave her life to Christ at the age of nine while she was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church. She remained a member of Lone Star until Reverend Baker became the pastor at Mt. Pleasant and then Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church. She would then become a member of Hopewell until she and her family moved to Virginia where they would become members of the Mouth Olivet Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. 

In her early years Peggy attended school in Bastrop County, Texas where she developed into an amazing student-athlete and well-loved young woman. After graduating from Bastrop County High School Peggy attended Cisco Junior College before transferring to Howard Payne University. There she shined as an All-American student-athlete. On March 29, 1986, a year after graduating from college, Peggy would marry her junior high sweetheart, Thomas Davis. The students who had once been deemed Most Athletic by their peers would begin to build their life together in Brownwood, Texas. Peggy and Thomas would welcome and raise two daughters, Courtney and Taylor. Eventually the family would move to Chester, Virginia where they would spend the greater part of their lives. 

Peggy earned her Master of Education degree from Tarleton State University in 1987 and in 1988 she would become the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at her alma mater, Howard Payne University. Her career would then take her Angelo State University from 1990-1997 where she would build a championship program. At the conclusion of the 1997 season, she and her family would move to Virginia where she would become the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Virginia State University until 2003. While coaching at VSU she led the program to a CIAA title and a first round NCAA Division 2 win. She would then become the 2nd female Athletic Director in the school’s history. It is here where she would solidify her place in history. Earning numerous awards, including being named the Athletic Director of the year a total of seven times. Peggy also became the first woman to be named as the Interim Commissioner of the CIAA. Even with all she accomplished it is well-known that what made her the proud in her professional career was seeing the student-athletes and interns under her leadership graduate and grow into amazing people.

Peggy will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but most of all she will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her passion in all that she did and her selflessness. Her integrity was unwavering, a steadfast beacon in a world often clouded by doubt and compromise. No matter the challenges she faced, she held true to her faith and values and inspired all those around her to do the same. Her commitment to her family and the community has created a ripple effect the world will continue to feel for years to come. 

Peggy’s faith was the foundation of all that she did and she carried the Lord with her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Charles Baker and her dad Aaron Taylor. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her husband Thomas and their two daughters Courtney and Taylor; her mother, Delois Baker; her sister Rose Clemons (Crystal, Victoria, and Aaron); and host of family and friends. 

Family and Friends will gather for a Visitation on Thursday, October 24th, at Elgin Funeral Home from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life will be Friday, October 25th, at Celebration Community Church, at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery of Bastrop.