Peggy Jean McCarter

Peggy Jean McCarter passed peacefully surrounded by family on February 25th, 2026 at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her father, John Thomas McCarter Sr.; mother, Helen “Jean” Kratz McCarter; sister, Susan Elizabeth McCarter; and lifelong friend, former husband, and father to their daughter, Robert Lindley Jameson.

Peggy was born August 10th, 1947, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania and graduated from Abington High School. Peggy moved after graduation to Hickory, North Carolina with her family.

Peggy attended Lenoir Rhyne College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Academically Gifted Education degree Magna Cum Laude in 1969. She was a member of the college band, National Education Association College Chapter, and Chi Beta Phi. Peggy additionally obtained a Master’s of Academically Gifted Education from Lenoir Rhyne College Graduate School in 1996. She was awarded Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for Lenoir-Rhyne College Graduate School 1995-96.

She dedicated her life to instilling knowledge, wisdom, creativity, and a love for learning into the next generation. Peggy’s teaching career began in Hickory, North Carolina. For 31 years, she taught middle school social studies, science, and AIG/TAG at Flat Rock Middle School in Flat Rock, North Carolina. For 12 years, she taught as the middle school English teacher at The Mountain Community School in Hendersonville, North Carolina beginning shortly after the school’s opening, and helped build the beloved charter school into what it is today. Peggy served as a coach and mentor in many school programs and clubs, including: Odyssey of the Mind, Cheerleading, Debate Club, Chess Club, and Junior Beta Club. During summer break, Peggy served as an instructor at a variety of Academically Gifted Summer Enrichment Programs at many of the Western North Carolina area universities and colleges. Peggy also taught the Effective Teaching Course at Blue Ridge Community College for over 25 years.

Peggy received numerous prestigious honors and awards throughout her career including:

Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted Award

North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented AG Teacher of the Year.

Henderson County Board of Education Outstanding Service to the Youth of Henderson County Award

The NCAE Distinguished Service Award

The NCAE Terry Stanford Award

NCCAT Teacher Fellow

Henderson County Public Schools Certificate of Merit

Upon retirement from the public education system, Peggy worked for over a decade at the Hendersonville Walmart. She enjoyed sharing a smile and bringing joy to someone new everyday.

Peggy loved the Lord and had a generous heart. During her adult life, she was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, North Carolina and Stoney Mountain Baptist Church in Mountain Home, North Carolina. She loved her family and her cats and dogs. She would spend any spare time she had working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was known for her admiration of anything that sparkles,cats, butterflies, peacocks, and irises; every night, she would read romance and crime books.

She is survived by her significant other of over 30 years, Dr. James Dutton (Jim), step-mother, Kay McCarter, daughter Sara Radford and husband Mark Radford, stepson Jamie Dutton, sister Dr. Tamara Estes Savage and husband Dr. Jeffery Savage, and brother John T. McCarter Jr. Peggy is additionally survived by her grandchildren Celeste Sowers and husband Zane Sowers, John-Thomas Stroupe, Stella Rice, Brandy McGraw who is the mother of grandsons Joshua Dutton, James Dutton, and nephew Seth Savage and niece Elise Savage. Also, Peggy is survived by her Aunt Judy Fellman, many cousins, and extended family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She leaves behind her beloved siamese cats Junie (JR) and PJ.

Peggy’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A celebration of life will be held on March 21st, 2026 at 4:00 - 7:30 pm at East Flat Rock Park. All are welcome! Drop in or stay awhile as we share our favorite memories of Peggy. Casual dress; light snacks will be provided.