On Sunday, December 29, 2019, Peggy Appleton Surry, 87, loving wife and devoted mother of four children, passed away at home surrounded by family.
Peggy was born on September 30, 1932 in Newport News, Virginia to Nicholas and Christine Appleton. She graduated from Warwick High School and was married to the love of her life, Robert “Mac” Surry.
Peggy worked for Newport News Shipbuilding and retired from Newport News Public Schools after 24 years of service. Peggy always lived within her means and instilled strong values in her children that have served them well throughout their lives. She excelled in growing backyard vegetables and loved flowers. She and Mac shared their love of nature with their children by taking them camping in the mountains of Virginia. Later they purchased a camper which allowed them to travel extensively throughout the East Coast. In 1969, they purchased property on Lake Gaston in North Carolina where they eventually moved after retirement. Peggy enjoyed volunteering with the Roanoke Wildwood Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, participating in the Ladies Club Garden Club and Green Thumbs. She and Mac joined Pleasant Hill Christian Church in 2004.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Robert M. Surry, of 69 years, and children, James R. “Bobby” Surry of Newport News, Pamela S. Wilson (Charles) of Farmville, VA, LTC (Ret) Paul H. Surry (Lori) of Valentines, VA, and Christine S. Youngblood (Allen) of Newport News. Peggy especially enjoyed her role as Nana to her six grandchildren, Timothy Youngblood (Ashley), Courtney Youngblood Jones (Brent), Robert Wilson, Madison Surry, Marlee Surry, Gaston Surry and her five great grandchildren, Landon, Mason and Hailey Youngblood and Camden and Kinleigh Jones. Peggy is also survived by her brother, James S. Appleton and many loving nieces and nephews. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Christine Appleton and sister, Jacqueline Martin.
The family would like to thank her awesome caregivers Hazel Roland, Onneica Blakeney, Geneva Powell, Chanel Williams #1, Chanel Williams #2, and LaShanda Walker, who all became members of our family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA. 23601.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Christian Church, P.O. Box 550, Gasburg, VA 23857 or the American Cancer Society. Cremation Society of Virginia is in charge of arrangements.