Mrs. Peggy Smith Stewart, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend went peacefully, surrounded by her family, to be with the Lord on September 10, 2024.
Peggy was a native Carthaginian, born in Carthage on July 18, 1942 to George Lendo and Annie Nunnery Smith. Peggy was married to W. F. “Frank” Stewart for 30 years. Together they successfully owned and operated a well known convenience store in Carthage, Frank’s Food Center. Peggy continued to operate the business after her husband died until she retired at the age of 72.
Peggy loved her family immensely. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved cooking Sunday dinners for everyone and having incredible family holidays together. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorites. She carefully planned the food and fun activities for each holiday. She also never missed an opportunity to celebrate her children’s birthdays. She loved planning a separate birthday celebration for each child; taking care to cook their favorite meal and birthday cake. Peggy loved family vacations at Myrtle Beach in PirateLand Family Campground. She loved spending time on the beach and biking with the children. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Summer days for the grandchildren were filled with endless hours of play in her pool. She was fondly known as “Nanta Claus” for she enjoyed spoiling them with lots of gifts and candy. Peggy would say her most treasured times were with her family.
Peggy loved the Lord. At a young age, she and her sister Betty enjoyed singing worship music together at church. She was a faithful member of Emanuel Baptist Church in Carthage. Peggy was very generous to help when needed. She volunteered with various fund-raising events, VBS and the annual Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child. Peggy also enjoyed being part of the Potter’s Hand until her health declined.
Peggy enjoyed traveling. She and Frank made great memories in places like St. Louis Mo., California, Las Vegas, Texas and Hawaii. She never failed to bring souvenirs for everyone.
Peggy is survived by her four children Richie Stewart (Gwen), Sharon Seawell (Herman), Kathy Stewart and David Stewart (Olivia).
Peggy was blessed with five grandchildren, Justin Carden (Ashley), Allison Brown (Jake), Kerilea Lake, Matthew Seawell (Lindsey), Lauren Forrest (Jeremy). In addition, Peggy is survived by her seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends. Peggy will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Peggy was proceeded in death by her parents George Lendo and Annie Nunnery Smith, her husband William F. “Frank” Stewart, sister Betty Hudson Nolen, brother George Larry Smith, and nephew Robbie Reynolds.
A funeral service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Emanuel Baptist Church in Carthage. Family visitation for Peggy will be from 1-2 pm prior to the service. The service will begin immediately after the visitation. Peggy will be laid to rest at Cross Hill Cemetery in Carthage following the funeral service.
The family would like to thank First Health Hospice and Palliative Care and Hospice House staff for the exceptional care given to their mother and the family during this difficult time.
Memorial contributions may be made to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care 150 Applecross Rd. Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be offered at www.pinesfunerals.com.
Services entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home of Carthage.
