Peggy Gayle

Peggy Gayle died February 26, 2025 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends who loved her and whom she loved. She was at peace and was healed by the Great Physician, Christ Jesus.

 Peggy was born October 29, 1939, to Junior and Mollie Shows in Simpson County, MS. She grew up in the Martinville community and attended Kennedy Springs Baptist Church.

 She was predeceased by her husband, John Gayle, daughter Shawn, parents Junior and Molly Shows, sisters Rayford Bynum and Elouise Sullivan, and niece Jean Abernathy.

 She is survived by her sons, Jeff (Beth) Pace, Jim (Darla) Gayle, granddaughter Noe'l Pace and great-grandson, Houston Griggs, and her special friend, James Bynum.

 She married her husband, John in 1970 and followed him in the grocery business all over Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia until finally settling down in Pearl, where she lived for 45 years

 Affectionately known as Mimi, Peggy had two great passions: her family and gardening. She loved tending to her flowers and enjoying her back porch, where she would drink coffee, watch birds, and admire her garden. Many times, she bribed her sons and great-grandson into working in her yard with her wonderful cooking.

 She was very independent and took care of herself, even to her last days. She loved to attend gospel sings with James and enjoyed being around his family, including his great-grandchildren, who also called her Mimi.

 A determined woman, Peggy achieved several personal goals throughout her life. She earned her GED at age 40 and became a supervisor in the accounting department at State Hospital, Whitfield, at 70. She embraced technology, using a smartphone and tablet to share cat videos and funny pictures with her family.

 The family would like to thank James Bynum and his daughter Lisa for being there for Mimi in her last hospital stay. They also thank the dedicated nurses at UMMC MICU, especially Brandy, Darius, Eli, LaKeeba, and Christy, for their compassionate care.

 Services will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3pm with visitation starting at 2pm. Burial will follow at Kennedy Springs Cemetery in Mendenhall, MS.

 In lieu of flowers, she requested donations to the Center for Violence Prevention, PO Box 6279 Pearl, MS, 39288