Peggie Gardner

Funeral services for Mrs. Peggie J. Gardner will begin at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from the First Baptist Church in Newton, with Dr. Brian Rushing, Minister of Music and Senior Adults Randy Cuchens, and Deacon Charles Godwin officiating. Interment will follow in the Newton County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest.

Music for the service will be provided by soloist Randy Cuchens, soloist Rita Beardon, and pianist Dianne Nelson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Hough, Brandon Bryant, Cary Butler, Gary Butler, Clay Barnett, and Jade Parkes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Pete Lohrer, David Wilson, Charles Godwin, Ted Whittle, Vick Chaney, and Billy Horton.

Reserved seating for the service will be available for the members of Fidelis Bible Class of First Baptist Church and the 1959 Graduating Class of Taylorsville High School.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church.

Peggie Joyce Hough Gardner was born in Smith County, MS to her parents Freddie and Cordie Stringer Hough on October 10, 1939. She grew up in Smith County, was a graduate of Taylorsville High School and worked for the Newton Company in early years. She was a retired as a self-employed business owner.

An accomplished artist, Mrs. Gardner served on the Board of Directors of the Newton Arts Council, and was also former president of the Newton Garden Club, which exhibited her love for gardening and flowers. An avid golfer, she held membership at the Newton Country Club, and was a fabulous cook. Musically inclined as a pianist, she enjoyed sharing her talent of singing with the Senior Adult Choir of First Baptist Church, where she was a longstanding member and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family and the Fidelis Bible Class.

Mrs. Gardner was a member of the local Dominoes Club, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Newton Fire Department. She will be remembered for her hospitality for others, and the love that she had for her family and many friends.

She passed away at her home on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the age of 79.

Survivors include her husband of over 60 years: Mr. Anderson “Andy” Gardner of Newton; one special daughter: Rosie (Kent) Wheeler of Newton; one special grandchild: Drew (Marie) Wheeler; two great grandchildren; one sister: Billie H. Butler of Pearl; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Freddie and Cordie Stringer Hough; two sisters: Helen Harrison and Mary Sue Husband and one brother: James D. Hough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 87, Newton, MS 39345.

Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 295 E. First St., Forest, MS, served the Gardner family.