Peggy Parker Mullins Buckley

Peggy Parker Mullins Buckley 1934 – 2025
Peggy Buckley passed away peacefully at her residence at The Magnolia in Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
A Celebration of life will be held at Starkville First United Methodist Church at 3:00 on Sunday, November 23rd with a visitation from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. A private burial will follow.
Peggy, the fourth daughter of William and Emma Jane Parker, was born on February 21st, 1934, at her grandmother's residence in Grenada, Mississippi. She spent her formative years in Shreveport, Louisiana, before relocating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she completed her high school education and attended Louisiana State University. Peggy's sisters, Polly Henderson, Martha Ann Shelling, and Billy Jean Odom, preceded her in death.
In 1954, Peggy moved to Starkville and married "Sonny" Mullins. Following in his father's footsteps, Sonny ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a retail store on Main Street called "Mullins Menswear." Peggy played an integral role in the business, managing the financial records. Over time, the family acquired W.W. Scales Department Store, which thrived under their management for 45 years as Mullins Department Store.
Throughout her life, Peggy dedicated herself to advocating for her community and promoting downtown growth. Highlights of her involvement included hosting a radio show on WSSO in the 1960s, where she shared updates on town events. As a member of the Downtown Association, Peggy played a key role in securing a grant to increase parking availability behind downtown businesses. Additionally, she served for a decade as a member of Junior Auxiliary, contributing enthusiastically to the organization's annual fundraiser galas held at the National Guard Armory.
In 1991, Peggy was among the first group of women invited to join the Rotary Club, where she remained an active member for 34 years. She dedicated 12 years to Toastmasters, achieving the highest rank within the organization. Peggy was instrumental in bringing Mississippi's Miss Hospitality pageant to Starkville, a prestigious Mississippi-exclusive event, for seven years.
Throughout her life, she received numerous civic and service awards including the prestigious "Women in Rotary" award, the Chamber of Commerce T.E. Veitch Award and the Clay Simmons Exemplary Business Award. Notably, Peggy was the first woman to be selected as "Woman of the Year" by The Starkville Daily News.
Peggy's devotion to God and her church has been unwavering throughout her entire life. For over 70 years in Starkville, she prioritized her involvement in church activities. Peggy passionately taught both children's Sunday school and adult Bible studies, reflecting her commitment to nurturing spiritual growth. She was a member of Starkville Global Methodist Church.
Peggy was married to Lawrence Leon (Sonny) Mullins for 41 years until his death. She was married to Donald Buckley in 2004 for 18 years until his death. Peggy is survived by her son Larry Mullins (Janet), and her two daughters Pamela (Dan) Plager and Trisha Edmiston. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Mamie (Paul) Kosko, Parker (Abbey) Mullins, Samantha (Nick) Gimbrone, Max (Sabrina) Plager, Hanna Edmiston and Will Edmiston and 7 great grandchildren, Bailey Kosko, Garrett Kosko, Mary Mullins Kosko, Lawson Mullins, Tate Johnson, McKinley Johnson, and Mason Gimbrone.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff, nurses and caregivers at the Magnolia, Arden Hospice, and her sitters Carol Logan & Mirt Bell.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Starkville Global Methodist Church or the Starkville Rotary Club Foundation.