Priscilla "Faye" Peery

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." -1 John 3:18

On May 9, 2025, surrounded by family, Faye Peery peacefully left this earth to enter through Heaven's gate and anxiously greet her Lord.

Priscilla Faye Hocutt was born on October 30, 1944, to Alfred Beril Hocutt and Janice Rachel Temple, both from North Carolina. In early years, Faye resided in the Raleigh area. In 1962 she married Jerry Maxwell Friend. They relocated to Fayetteville, where Jerry was in the military; US Army Special Forces at Fort Bragg, and started a family.

In 1969, Faye moved to Timberville, Virginia, lovingly referred to as "the sticks", and married Douglas Martin Orebaugh. They set roots east of Timberville, near Mooville Farm and raised their three daughters, many cats, 3 bulldogs, Spike the Chihuahua, 2 parakeets, 30 rabbits, a fox, skunk, groundhogs, baby goat, two Shetland ponies, and Porky the pig. The Orebaugh homestead was always big enough for one more.

From the 1970's through the early 1980's, Faye drove a school bus for Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS). Her route was The Mash; its residents considered extended family. Additionally, Faye transported Massanutten Vo-Tech students. Still today, stories circulate about the shenanigans on Faye's bus, which may or may not have included unscheduled stops along the way.

In 1979, taking a leap of faith, Faye opened Faye's Flowers in the former Tastee Freeze building along route 11 in New Market. With very little capital, but abounding determination, a cornerstone of the community was established. From proms and weddings to Easter and Valentine's Day, and everything in between, Faye's Flowers made its mark. Its success was a testament to Faye's persistence, her business acumen, and most importantly, her undeniable gift of gab, which never failed to include heartfelt sentiments such as honey, darlin', and sugar. With assistance from Vicki Barb, Nancy Mumbert, and Joyce Loy, staff turned beloved lifetime friends; Faye's Flowers grew to be the epicenter of New Market earning it the tagline, "For the Finest in Flowers See Faye First". Faye's Flowers served the community for twenty-five years.

Faye married Charles Martin Peery, Jr. in June 2003. They enjoyed traveling, especially to visit Faye's family in North Carolina where Charlie professed needing a translator to decipher their southern dialect. Together, they spent much of their time searching for treasures to stock their antiques booth. To Charlie's dismay, yet Faye's delight, they commonly kept more than they sold.

Miniature Yorkie, Pistol Pete, was welcomed to the Peery family in 2019. Pete provided unending comfort and loyal companionship to both Charlie and Faye. He now happily resides with family where he proudly, and unmercifully, antagonizes two pit bulls quite beset by his assertive personality.

Before retiring in January 2020, Faye transported special needs children for RCPS. She proclaimed this the most fulfilling role of her career. She loved "her kids" and shared in their accomplishments like a proud parent. One student in particular, Tiffany, stole Faye's heart. Faye spoke fondly of Tiffany, often sharing with others their antics with flourish. Perhaps the most memorable was Tiffany's unapologetic distaste for Faye's homemade spaghetti sauce, and the transparent way in which she made that fact known.

As a child of Christ, Faye embraced her blessing of service. She cherished her Woods Chapel Church family and was often found, alongside best friend Esther Schrock, preparing meals for ailing church members and bible school events. Missionaries who dined at Faye's table never failed to return, requesting her legendary chicken slick.

In April 2020, Faye was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. While the incident drastically changed her life, Faye continued to witness for the Lord, making sure everyone knows how much the Lord loves them and devotedly professed; "I love my Lord, He has been so good to me".

Family and friends will best remember Faye's big laugh, fervor for life, quick wit, and the monumental way in which she loved, putting others before herself. Her unwavering loyalty and protective nature was singular, fiercely defending the ones she loved. Faye fought the good fight, finishing her race with profound love for family and friends, and a steadfast faith in the Lord.

Those who remain: Brother, Lockwood Jaye Batten; Sister, Jenny Marie Hambleton, and their families. Daughters and Son in laws: Vena and Tony Morgan, Carrie Stephens and Rick McCray, Janice and Fred Hannah. Adored Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Sumer Hinkle (Lee) with Reese and Lainee; Ethan Lam; Marni Morgan with Sadie and Butter Bean; Chanler Davis (Richard) with Elysia, Isaiah, and Oliver; Rowe Morgan with Mckennen and Elowin; Jacob Stephens; Dallas McCray.

Those who went before to prepare a place: Charles Martin Peery, Jr., Janice Rachel Batten, and beloved Temple family members.

The family would like to show appreciation to Woods Chapel Church Pastors Glen Turner and Tim Miller and the WCC Family. Tony Morgan, more son than son in law. Bonus daughter, Lynn Zirkle. Caregivers: Susan Stewart, Tammy Cooper and her care team, Timberview Crossing, Blue Ridge Hospice

A memorial service will be held at Woods Chapel Church, Sunday, May 18, 2025 3:00 p.m. Meal to immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall. Woods Chapel Church, 58 Splinter Lane, New Market VA 22844.

In true Faye fashion, in lieu of memorial donations please send flowers to a loved one.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at GrandleFuneralHome.com