Capron – Peggy Beatrice Cooke was born on a Friday, June 5, 1942, to Mabel Maude Bailey and Paul Columbus Gay of Emporia, Virginia. She was the third born of five children (Pauline, Laurice, Paul Jr., and Gladys) and the first to leave both her hometown and this world on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

She met the love of her life, W.A. Cooke, working as a waitress in 1960, and they were wed the day after Valentines Day in 1962. Affectionately called "Peg" (or sometimes "Pegalina", mostly "Peggy Sue"), her and W.A. worked hard together to build a life they were proud of, among which included the opening of the service station, the construction of their own home, and raising their two children, Wanda Allison and Wayne Allan. Wanda and Wayne took turns being her best friends for life, and paved the way for her to be the warmest version of a grandmother anyone could ask for.

Those who stepped foot in W.A.'s store became more than just a customer – most, valued even more than friends - and it was these same friends who helped to look out for Peggy when she was widowed at only 55 years old (a special shout out going to her beloved neighbors across the road). It was during this time that she worked in her last job at the Prison as a worker in the Canteen, until she retired to become a professional crossword puzzler; the latest dictionary always within reach.

The rest of her days were spent enjoying a soft life filled with classical music (or some old country if you were lucky), daily bird watching, notating and clipping articles to share with others, and a never-ending hunt to find things she could throw in her state-of-the-art washing machine(s). She was known for her signature winks and will be remembered fondly for her hums and whistles, butter and cheese toast, and afternoons spent in her beautiful (and both meticulously planned and maintained) backyard. She fiercely loved her animal companions (most notably Macee, Delilah, Ramona and Carolina), was gifted with the ability to name anyone you asked about – and who they know, who they're related to, where they live, where they grew up, where they worked, and probably anything else you wanted to know - and gave long hugs with strong pats that will be missed forever. Even though she was two hours away, her grandchildren spent countless weekends in her presence and will always value a backroad trip to Grandma's.

There was a point in her later years where her list making became more vital, and her public outings (already few and far between) lessened. Her loved ones stood by as the person she was changed into something different, while she struggled to remember the things that she always knew. This was especially hard since she didn't like to admit she didn't know something, but it was also especially easy because she never lost her laugh or smile.

With too many precious people to count, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who loved her and helped care for her, in whatever way that may have been. Your support was vital, and we couldn't have done it without you. Even if it was just bringing by chicken mull from the fire station – because she really looked forward to that.

Any and all donations in her memory can be made to NPR/National Public Radio organizations as it was something she treasured, and if you wish to send flowers, we ask that you please do so by sending them to East Pavilion for the current residents to enjoy in her honor.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org