Helen Louise “Peggy” Lawson Stumbo transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 23, 2017 after several months of failing health.
Peggy was born in Wythe County on Aug. 28, 1933 to the Rev. Eugene and Hazel Lawson, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Alma McIntosh and Donna Goode.
Surviving are son, Duane Alexander and wife, Deborah of Galax; and daughter, Laine Alexander Barrow and husband, Wayne of Graham, North Carolina.
She was Nana to granddaughters, Kristi Garris (Adam), Sara Newman (Brad), both of Graham, North Carolina; step-grandson, Chris Barrow (April) of Pittsboro, North Carolina; and step-granddaughter, Grace Lowe of Galax; great-grandchildren, Addison and Ian Garris, Nathan and Jonah Barrow and soon to be born baby girl Newman.
Surviving sisters are Lois Akers, Daris Ayers and Linda Safewright along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Peggy’s greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her beloved fur baby, Alex. Endless hours were spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren doing crafts, cooking, reading or anything they wanted. Her patience with children was never-ending.
Growing up in Draper Valley Pentecostal Church, she developed an early love of music and was a talented musician playing piano, accordion and guitar. She could play anything on the piano either by ear or from sheet music. Much of her young adult life was dedicated to playing piano and accordion and singing beautiful harmony with her sisters in her father’s churches.
Utilizing her green thumb, she became a master gardener and displayed her love of decorating and crafts in her beautiful home, giving away many of her handmade gifts to friends and family. She was a devoted active member of Memorial Baptist Church, teaching a children’s Sunday school class for many years, singing in the choir and serving in many other areas within the church.
Peggy achieved professional milestones in an era when women achieving professional success was not the norm. She went to college at Wytheville Community College at night when her children were still in school and they went with her every night while she attended classes while also working third shift at Jefferson Mills.
Obstacles were just as-yet-unrealized opportunities to her. There was nothing she couldn’t do once she set her mind to it. After finishing night college at Wytheville, she worked for Radford University, eventually retiring as Purchasing Director for New River Community College.
Duane and Elaine would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the wonderful caregivers Linda Sylmar, Kayla Clark and Carolyn Safewright. The love and care they gave her was above and beyond anything they could have ever asked.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Memorial Baptist Church, 995 Peppers Ferry Road, Pulaski, VA with Pastor Mike Jones presiding. Visitation with the family will be at the church from noon to 1 p.m. before the service.
Arrangements for Peggy are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home Inc., 815 Randolph Avenue, Pulaski, VA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to Carilion Hopice of the New River Valley, 701 Randolph Street, Suite 110, Radford, VA 24141 or to Memorial Baptist Church Childrens Education, 995 Peppers Ferry Road, Pulaski,VA 24301 in her memory.
