A visitation for Peggy Peal, 85, of Waskom, Texas will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at Downs Funeral Home.

Peggy was born on October 24, 1936, in Harrison County, Texas to Ex and Lizzie Bell Mercer and passed away October 12, 2022.

She married Harol Ray Peal on November 22, 1954 in Texas and the two remained married until his death in 2004. Their marriage produced two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She attended school in Elysian Fields, graduating from Elysian Fields High School as valedictorian in 1954.

Peggy worked as the Officer Manager of the Waskom AEP Branch Office until she retired in 1994 to spend more time with her family.

Peggy's love for her family was matched only by her dedication to serve her community. Peggy operated the Waskom food pantry, Operation Help, for over 30 years. Peggy was an active member of the Waskom Lion's Club, being a Melvin Jones Fellow award recipient in 2018. Peggy was a longtime board member of the Waskom Public Library, where she organized the Summer Reading Program and Reading with Rudolph; along with entertaining the children throughout the years at Mrs. Claus and Flutterby the Clown. Peggy was a past president of the Waskom Chamber of Commerce. Peggy was a member of the Waskom Study Club and enjoyed being a member of the Waskom Red Hat Society. Peggy was a dedicated member of the Waskom Church of Christ.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Ex and Lizzie Bell Mercer, her husband Harol Ray Peal, brothers Gordon Mercer, James Mercer, Tex Mercer, sisters Mary McMahon, Daisy Campbell, Dorothy Lester, Jewel "Lindy" Fisher and daughter Linda Beth Peal.

Peggy is survived by her son Michael Wayne Peal, Daughter-in-law Michelle Peal, grandchildren Donald Turner, Joseph Ray Turner and wife Erin Turner, Lillian Peal, Kathern Peal, great grandchildren Xander Turner, Odin Turner and Ember Turner along with numerous family and friends.

The family would like the extend thanks to Heritage Home of Marshall and Heart2Heart Hospice for the love, compassion and care Peggy was shown during her time in their care.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in her honor to St Jude's Children Hospital.