Peggy Raines, a beloved mother, cherished friend, and cherished member of her community, passed away in her home on July 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. She was born on October 24, 1941, in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi as the second of eight children to Gordon and Louise Howell.
Peggy’s early years were marked by warmth and family bonds as she grew up alongside her seven siblings. She began her school in Pheba, Mississippi before attending Starkville schools. During high school she played on the basketball team before graduating from Starkville High School in 1960.
In that same year, Peggy encountered the love of her life, James (Jimmy) Raines Sr., whom she married. Peggy and Jimmy shared 49 beautiful years until Jimmy’s passing in 2009. They lived most of their married life on Montgomery Street in Starkville. Peggy always wanted to live in a log cabin in the country. In 2004 they moved into the log cabin home that Peggy had designed and built. Peggy loved her flowers, gardening, and wildlife. She surrounded her home with the most beautiful flowers and invited anyone to visit and enjoy her front porch.
Peggy’s professional life was characterized by dedication and service. She started her career as a switchboard operator for South Central Bell before working alongside her mother at the Starkville Café and The Derby restaurants, where she delighted in serving her loyal customers until 1995. Later, Peggy joined Northland Cable as a Customer Service Representative and remained with the company until her retirement.
Peggy enjoyed fishing, Friday night dancing with her friends and family at Stallo, and spending quality time with her close-knit family. Peggy’s adventurous spirit took her across the globe, as she explored five continents, including North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Peggy’s loving presence, gracious nature, and innate sense of style endeared her to everyone she encountered. Her radiant personality brightened the lives of those around her, making her a cherished member of her community.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Louise Howell, her husband Jimmy Raines Sr., brothers Richard Howell, Larry Howell, and Jerry Howell; sister-in-law Allene Howell, and brother-in-law Wade Wolf; and great granddaughter Tristan Latham.
She is survived by her three children, Brenda Brent, Amy Smith, and Jim “Jimbo” Raines, and her son-in-laws, David Palmer and Mike Smith, grandchildren Brad Latham and wife Ashley, Mckenzie Sumrall and Husband Jordan Sumrall, and Brittney Latham and partner Micheal Crane; great grandchildren, Callie Latham, Hunter Tripp, Braelyn Stevens, Matthew Crane, Olivia James Sumrall. Peggy is also survived by her brothers Robert Howell, Johnny Howell, and Wade Howell, her sister Susan Wolf, and her sister-in-laws Faye Robinson, Ruby Howell, Vicki Howell, Grace Howell and Renee Howell.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Adaton Baptist Church. A second visitation will be held at the same location Thursday, July 20th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm with the service immediately following.
As we bid farewell to Peggy Raines, let us celebrate the extraordinary life she led, the countless lives she touched, and the love she shared with all. Her legacy of grace, compassion, and style will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace, dear Peggy, and may your spirit continue to shine brightly among us.
