Peggy Howard

The Heavenly hosts gained a gentle angel on March 30th when Peggy went home to be with the Lord. Peggy Laura Howard was born December 17, 1951, to Louis Bailey and Opal Mae (Tate) Adkisson in Trezevant, TN. The young family moved to South Bend, IN where Peggy flourished and blossomed. Peggy graduated from Washington HS, in 1970. At Washington High School she became one of the first African Americans on the swimming team as well as performed in plays sponsored by the Drama Club. After graduation, Peggy was accepted at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, OH. Peggy graduated in 1974. At Wilberforce she met her soul mate, Cecil (Pete) Howard. From that union, two amazing children were born, Barry and Brandi Howard.Peggy was an avid advocate for youth. For over twenty-five years, Peggy worked in the social work field in Indianapolis, In. and Washington DC. In Indianapolis, Peggy would bring Down syndrome children home with her on weekends, to give their parents a break from the routine of caregiving. In Washington DC Peggy directed an all-girls group home. Here she met the emotional and physical needs of the girls. Oftentimes it included preparing meals for them. Peggy and a coworker, Hazel were devoted to strengthening the young ladies. Hazel eventually became a Godmother to Peggy’s children. Peggy’s work continued at a homeless shelter in Washington DC as well as being a director at an overnight Alternative Co-Ed Learning School, (JobCore). Peggy’s advocacy continued when the family matriculated to Atlanta, GA. Peggy was well loved by her co-workers and clients during her tenure at AHEPA 1. They showered her with their love upon her retirement in 2021.Peggy loved her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. An extraordinary joy was pinning her daughter, Brandi at Bennett College when Brandi joined the sorority. Peggy enjoyed the get-togethers she had with her line sisters in Indianapolis.Peggy’s greatest moments were spent with her family. Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished their time together. She loved sharing what the family had prepared for their holiday gatherings. The fun they had at parks, and outdoor cookouts were foremost in her thoughts and heart. Peggy cherished her grandchildren and spent much time encouraging them to be their best.Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Opal Adkisson, and her brother, Joseph Adkisson. She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband, Cecil (Pete) Howard of forty-eight years; her loving children, Barry (Whitley) Howard, and Brandi Howard. Her grandchildren, Priest, Solomon, Phoebe, Ethan, Laurale, and Azari Maurice Howard; her sisters, Margie Murry, Diane Cargile, Melinda Adkisson, Sister in Laws: Linda Howard, Betty Howard, Brother in Laws Cornelius, Waverly; nieces and nephews, Dion (Latrice) Adkisson, George (Eddie) Pillow, Christopher A. Pillow, Shawna Moore, Markita Williams, Dionsia, Taylor, Layla, Zaine, Aidan, Skylar, Carter, Liliana, Alexa and a host of cousins and friends.In memory of Peggy, donations may be made to her university, Wilberforce University, her children’s universities, Morehouse College, and Bennett College. Contributions may also be made to Indiana State University, for the Louis and Opal Adkisson Minority Endowed Scholarship (Fund No.70806).