Peggy Padgham

Peggy Padgham, born in Minden, Louisiana, reached her goal of turning 93 with grace and grit, despite a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in late 2023. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

A proud graduate of Minden High School and Southern Methodist University (B.A. in Religious Studies), Peggy began her career at First Methodist Church in Dallas, producing their weekly TV show and editing the church newspaper. In 1955, she married the love of her life, John B. Padgham. Their nearly 70 years together included moves across Texas, California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and even Iran. They called each other “Pill” because, as she was fond of saying, “He’s easy to swallow and I’m hard to take!”

Peggy found her calling as an elementary school teacher in 1970, where her creativity and compassion left lasting marks on generations of students. Many former students reached out to her on social media throughout her retirement. She had a gift for hospitality, was a devoted church and community leader, and delighted in cooking, traveling, reading, playing cards, and telling people what to do. Quick to laugh, her smile could light up the room.

Always active, her leadership continued well into retirement. At First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, she was always willing to serve as needed. She was co-founder of Cooke County Friends of the Library and held offices in the WGA, KWA, Kiowa Water Supply Corp., Habitat for Humanity, Butterfield Centerstage Circle, Candidate’s Forum, and the LKPOA Nominating Committee, serving a year as President of the Lake Kiowa Property Owners Association.

By her example, she taught her children the importance of volunteering. In addition to her leadership roles, she helped at the Butterfield Stage for 8 years, Habitat for Humanity for 10 years, Hospice for 8 years, and at Wheeler House Bingo for 3.

But Peggy’s favorite role was being “Mom” to sons John H. (Cyndi), Steven, and daughter Juliet Spencer (Jimmy) and “Grandma” to Holland, Cindy, Veronica, Rowan, and great-grandson James. She counted her circle of friends among her biggest blessings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.O. and Eva Rathbun Holland, and sisters Lee Alice, Helen, and Bettye. She is survived by her loving husband John, her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family thanks North Texas Oncology, VNA Hospice, and all the neighbors and friends who surrounded Peggy and John with love—especially Rev. Adam Spore, Judy and Don Neal, Jane Dudley, Barbara and Bob Bergbower, Dianna Robison, and “adopted” daughter Linda Moore and her husband Jim. We would be remiss if we did not also mention her two lifelong friends, Genie Carson and Gwen McKellar, who stayed connected via text and regular calls.

A graveside service will be held in Minden, LA at a later date. Memorials may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Tx.