Peggy Lee Robinson Eddins

"When you get to be my age, Sugah, you know what's next. I've had a wonderful life. So don't worry about me for one second!." At age 93, Peggy Lee Robinson Eddins died as she lived, surrounded by family and friends. When one lives over 9 decades, it is impossible to list all her notable features or wonderful qualities. And yet, anyone who knew Peggy Lee knew a friendly, generous, positive force of nature. Always looking for and finding the best in other people, she called anyone and everyone, "Sugar." But she always pronounced it with her beautiful Southern accent, Sugah! She never lingered on difficult times (and she had more than her share of difficulties along the way).
Peggy Lee was part of the sprawling Robinson family. And that family was oh so important to her. Except for a few years in Chattanooga, Peggy Lee spent her entire life in Memphis. A devout Catholic, Peggy Lee attended mass faithfully at St. Louis, St. Peter's, St. Patrick's and most recently at St. Michael's. She attended Little Flower Elementary School and graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 1949. She left Memphis for Maryville College in St. Louis but came home a year later to work for Chicago and Southern Airlines as a flight attendant.
In 1953, she married John D. Gerber, Jr. and they had two boys, John and Charles. Mr. Gerber died of cancer in 1956 at the age of 26. A few years' later she married Pete Parker who brought along his daughter Ansley. Peggy Lee raised Ansley as her one and only daughter. Peggy Lee and Pete then had two more boys, George and Tommy.
In the 1970's through the early 2000's Peggy Lee had several jobs from the receptionist at Skipworth Studios and the Memphis Showboats to serving as a buyer for the catalog, Columbus Collection. She also volunteered at various charities over the years, like King's Daughters Home. But her true passion was spending time with friends and family.
As a daughter, sister, wife and mother of five, she excelled. But in her role as grandmother ("Bebe") and "great grand," she thrived! She was never more alive than when she was talking to one of her 14 grandchildren or her 20 great grandchildren. When her grandchildren were growing up and one of her children called, the first words out of her mouth were "how can I help you, Sugah?" And help she did. She was tireless. From attending school and sporting events to hosting sleepovers, Bebe did it all. Each grandchild is now grown, and each of them has a special bond with Bebe.
In 1998, she married Marion "Buddy" Eddins. They shared a beautiful, loving marriage until his death at the age of 92 in 2022. Their relationship was marked by love, kindness, and respect. Buddy enjoyed traveling, and he took Peggy Lee to many amazing destinations. But her favorite spot in the world was her home where she could read and work in her yard.
Peggy Lee is survived by her sister and best friend Patsy Robinson Sneed (George); her five children John D. Gerber (Renee), Charles C. Gerber (Meg), Ansley Larsson (Nils-Erik), George R. Parker, Thomas L. Parker (Allison); her grandchildren, each of whom she adored, Brooks Gerber (Matt Brown) and their children, Reed and June; Charlie (Hayley) Gerber and their children, Cartter and Cole; Alex (Catherine) Quinlan and their children, Galway and Virgil; Annie Gerber (Paxton) Griffin and their children, Jack, Charles and Harris; Taylor Gerber (Elliott) Brown and their children, Robin, Davies and Thomas; Drew Quinlan (Dan) Hannon and their children, Pete, George and Walter; Robin Gerber (Kyle) Collins and their children, George, Meg and Jules; Max Quinlan; Jack (Xanna) Gerber and their children, Michael and Annie; Katherine Parker; Annie Parker; Marie Gerber; Ellen Parker and Jack Gerber. She loved them all unconditionally.
The family deeply appreciates the creative, loving and generous care she received from her caregivers in her final years - Wyvonnie Smith, Laverne Tucker, Angela Rodgers, and
Martha House. They served as a tremendous source of comfort and support for the entire family.
A memorial service will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Monday March 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation at Canale Funeral Directors on Sunday March 9, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church, Promise Academy (Memphis) or the charity of the donor's choice.
Previous Events
Visitation
MAR 9. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CT)
Canale Funeral Directors
2700 Union Avenue Extended
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 452-6400
info@canalefuneraldirectors.com
https://www.canalefuneraldirectors.com
Memorial Mass
MAR 10. 10:00 AM (CT)
St. Michael Catholic Church
3867 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Peggy, please visit our Tree Store.