Peggy Sue Gilbert

Peggy Sue Gilbert passed away on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.  Peggy was born on January 30, 1946, in Mesa, Arizona, to Jean and Lucille Gilbert. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Annette Gilbert, Ralph Woodall, Raymond Woodall, Betty Calhoun, and James Gilbert.  She joins loved ones including Sister Mary Slaney and Tereze Harris, her long-term partners in community service.

Peggy is survived by her siblings Ruth Brantley, Dorothy "Dot" Gilbert, and Henry Gilbert. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by special friends Maria Vicencio, Diane Clark, Courtney Pham, and Robin Ridenour. Her God Grandson, Chance Pham, will also miss her deeply.

Peggy earned her college degree from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana-Monroe). After teaching sixth graders in south Louisiana, she found her true calling as a teacher. Joining the marketing faculty at Missouri State in 1970, Peggy dedicated 44 years to teaching hundreds of Consumer Science classes and thousands of students while successfully battling cancer. Her commitment to teaching helped her endure the challenges of chemotherapy and inspired her to continue serving her community for over 40 years. Standing at six feet tall, her students affectionately nicknamed her “the giant of the North.” She taught her students not only academics but also character, earning their respect through genuine care.

Known for assisting the elderly, Peggy responded to calls for help from churches and local hospitals, addressing issues of elder abuse and providing care to those in need. Her community service earned her a Faculty Excellence in Community Service Award from Missouri State in April 2014.

In collaboration with Tereze Harris, Peggy co-founded the “ACE” Club to support students from impoverished rural areas in southeast Arkansas, which has positively impacted many lives. She was a founding board member of the Tereze Harris Scholarship Foundation, personally funding it for the first decade, providing essential support to high school students. Her dedication to others and her mission to stand up for those who couldn't, has left an enduring legacy.

Funeral services for Peggy will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Tallulah, Louisiana, with Father Ryan Humphries officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:30. Burial will follow at Silver Cross Cemetery in Tallulah with Bro. Mark Fenn speaking, under the direction of Crothers Glenwood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Charles Johnson, Jr., David Johnson, Ricky Johnson, Stephen Gilbert, Larry Brantley, and Matthew Brantley.

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