Peggy Waldine Barnes

Peggy Waldine Barnes March 8, 1932 – November 14, 2020 Our beloved Peggy passed away at Kitty Askins Hospice on Saturday, November 14, 2020 after a brief illness. Born in 1932 at her family farm on Wiggins Mill Road in Wilson County, Peggy was the youngest child of the late Luther H and Josephine B Barnes. Her devoted sister, Edna Ruth Barnes Atkinson (Ernest, dec.) of Sanford survives. Her brother Luther H Barnes Jr. predeceased her in 2017. While a Lucama High School student, age 17, Peggy competed in the auctioneering contest at the Tobacco Tamasha of 1948 and took 3rd place. Then came Peace College where Peggy was honored in 1952 as Outstanding Senior and also that year named Miss Peace, an honor granted annually by popular vote of the student body. Upon graduation with a degree in education from Woman’s College (UNC-G) Peggy worked in the student Union of NC State University followed by a career in elementary education at Vinson-Bynum School in Wilson. During her early teaching years Peggy earned her M.Ed at East Carolina University. Peggy retired from Wilson County Schools in 1991 with a reputation as an outstanding teacher. Life on the family farm offered priceless experiences for her nieces and nephews and their children who survive her; Mary Beth Barnes Fields (Frank), Wendy Atkinson Hales (Greg), Steve Atkinson (Kellie), Jim Atkinson (Kelly), Amy Barnes, and Haywood Barnes (Debbie). Our family wishes to thank Peggy’s longtime friend and helper, Leroy Taylor, caregiver Jaqui Bryant, and also Fran and the staff at Spring Arbor Cottage in Wilson for an environment and atmosphere of loving care. Joyner’s Funeral Home assisted the immediate family with a private graveside service held Sunday, November 15 in the Barnes Cemetery on Wiggins Mill Rd. A passionate advocate for animals, Peggy’s wish is that any remembrance of her be directed to animal welfare groups, especially the Wilson County organization For the Love of Dogs, 5146 Quaker Road, Wilson, North Carolina 27893 and online at https://fortheloveofdogs.givingfuel.com/for-the-love-of-dogs, or to any local Animal Shelter or Humane Society. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.