Peggy Wade Gerken

Peggy Wade Gerken, 90, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Brookdale surrounded by the love of her family. Peggy was born in Greene County on August 18, 1935, to the late James and Cora Wade.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Clarence Gerken; her grandson, Cameron John Gerken; sisters, Cleo Wade Creech and Hilda Wade Edmundson; and brothers, Durwood Wade, Wilson Wade, and Warren Wade.

Peggy dedicated her life to serving others through her work as a clinical nurse with Wayne Memorial Hospital and in the medical offices of Dr. Sasser and Dr. Chesson. Her gentle and caring spirit brought comfort and healing to countless lives throughout her career.

Above all, Peggy was a woman of deep faith. As a devoted member of New Hope Methodist Church, she loved the Lord and faithfully served in many of the church's ministries. She delighted in reading her Bible daily, drawing strength and peace from God's Word.

Family was Peggy's greatest joy. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her happiest times were when her family gathered together. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith that will continue to live on through all who knew her.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service celebrating Peggy's life at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Snow Hill Cemetery.

Peggy is survived by her sons, Michael Ray Thomas and wife, Deb, Jeffrey Wade Thomas and wife, Debbie Lynn, Mark Haywood Thomas and wife, Tracy, and John Howard Gerken; grandchildren, Keli Gerken, Katlyn Gerken, Kourtni Gerken, James Caleb Thomas, Rebekah Thomas, Miranda Johnston, Tiffany Thomas, and Shane Thomas; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren who brought her so much joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to New Hope Methodist Church, 200 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534, or to Cures for the Colors, SMOC, 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.