Peggy Joanne Wingate Todd

Peggy Joanne Wingate Todd, wife of John Harry Todd, Jr., died Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Brightmoor Hospice.
Born in Rock Hill, SC, November 1, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Robert Nimrod Wingate and Eula Mae Harrison Wingate. Mrs. Todd attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in journalism. In 1971 when she moved to Griffin with her family, she met her lifelong friend Bonnie Pfrogner who had also just moved here with her family. Harriett Owen, the Welcome Wagon lady brought together five new residents who had just moved to Griffin and from that was formed the Griffin Newcomer's Club, with the first meeting being held at the Griffin Moose Lodge. In January of 1972. Mrs. Todd was Secretary for the organization and also taught bridge classes to those members interested in learning. Mrs. Todd was an avid Bridge player and shared her talents by teaching Contract and Duplicate Bridge in Spalding and surrounding counties including lessons at the Senior Center in Spalding County for 50 years, retiring in summer of 2023. She was a member of the Griffin Women's Bowling Association and a participant in several of the ladies' leagues where, over the years, she served as president, vice president or secretary/treasurer at different times. Joanne was also involved in the Georgia Women's Bowling Association and was editor of the "Ten Pin Clippings" newsletter which had news about women bowlers from all around the state. Her writings received four national writing awards. Her involvement with the First Steps program through the Griffin-Spalding Infant and Elderly Commission helped provide new mothers with information on taking care of their infants.
She formerly worked with the American Cancer Society serving as Field Staff executive for six counties from 1982-1986. She served as a Legislative Aide for then Congressman Newt Gingrich from 1986-1990 and also served as his Campaign Manager from 1989-1990. During that time, she also served on the Family Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity. She served as Director of Spalding County Citizens for Children, a private organization that provided education for abused children. Mrs. Todd formerly served as Griffin City Commissioner for sixteen years beginning in 1999 and as Chairman/Mayor in 2002, 2005, 2011 and 2014.
A member of Griffin Methodist Church, she was also a member of the Joy Sunday School Class. She taught Sunday school and was an active leader/member in the Young at Heart program providing monthly programs/activities for the Griffin senior community.
Surviving in addition to her husband of sixty-nine years are a daughter, Terry Gaskin and husband Joe of Kennesaw; two sons, Richard Todd and wife Libby of Griffin and David Todd, also of Griffin; grandchildren, Chris Gaskin and wife Jill of Cumming, Tracey Gaskin of Marietta, Hayley Perry and husband Artie of Griffin, Megan Barnhart and husband Dillon of Marietta, Shelley Strickland and husband Hunter of Meansville, Adrianne Fritsche and husband Zach of Griffin and Chase Todd, also of Griffin; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Polly Wingate of Columbia, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial service for Peggy Joanne Wingate Todd will be conducted Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Griffin Methodist Church, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin, with Reverend Debby Stikes officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 PM until the service hour at Haisten McCullough Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Griffin Methodist Church, PO Box 2148, Griffin, GA 30224 or to Brightmoor Hospice, 3217 Newnan Road, Griffin, GA 30223.
For online condolences please visit www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin is in charge of arrangements.