Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Emerson

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Emerson, 90, died Sunday, May 5, 2024, at her nephew’s home in Heflin, AL. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Dennis Gossett officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M.

Peggy was born on June 12, 1933, in Hernando, MS, to the late Dr. Charles Whitley Emerson and Margaret Dotson Emerson. Peggy was truly royalty, having been elected Homecoming Queen at Hernando High School and Mississippi College where she completed her undergraduate degree. She received her Master’s degree from Columbia University in New York, where she developed a lifelong pursuit and commitment to education in the field of Early Childhood Development. Winner of the Rotary International Foundation Fellowship, Peggy journeyed by boat from New York to England to continue her studies, developing a passion for travel and appreciation of different cultures. She attended The University of Mississippi, where she earned her Doctorate and found a permanent home in the velvet ditch of Oxford. Peggy taught at the University for many years, becoming the Assistant Dean of Education. She was further recognized as Professor Emerita of Curriculum and Chair Emerita at The University of Mississippi’s School of Education. In 1998, she was named the School of Education’s Researcher of the Year. She was deeply passionate about teaching, but most importantly about the many wonderful connections she was able to make through her work. With a heart for both international and special needs students, Peggy went out of her way to make everyone around her feel safe and welcome, but most importantly the groups that were often marginalized. She found lifelong friends amongst the faculty of Ole Miss, traveling internationally often with her dear friend, Cindy, and a group of fellow professors.

While her education and career life meant so much to her, Peggy never failed to prioritize her beloved family and friends. She learned from an early age how deeply important family was, nurturing her relationships with her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her connections with her loved ones was often transcendent, she could be a mother when needed, a trustworthy sister, or a close confidant. A member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, she cherished her church family and seldom missed a service. Some of her greatest treasures in life were her many fostered and adopted dogs, donating time to helping the local humane society in any way she could.

When reflecting on her final wishes, Peggy wrote in her own words, “My greatest joy was always in sharing.” Sharing love, giving whatever she had, and bringing others together was Peggy’s greatest desire. She offered her final hopes for her loved ones: to listen more, forgive more, create peace, and share what you have, but most of all, to tell all about His presence and love.

Peggy is survived by her closest friend and companion, Cindy Leigh of Oxford, MS; her brother, Charles Whitley “Sonny” Emerson, Jr. (Carol) of Brentwood, TN; her nephews, Dr. Charles Whitley “Trey” Emerson, III (Cindy) of Heflin, AL and Dr. David Emerson (Amy) of Orange Beach, AL; nieces, Peggy Lively (Mike) of Waco, TX and Chris Baxter (Mac) of Brentwood, TN; dear cousins, Harriet Gorove (Stephen) of Oxford, MS, Beth James of Mary Esther, FL, Bill Sartor (Becky) of Rockwall, TX, and Angus Emerson, III of Cabot, AR; as well as MANY great nieces and nephews.

Sonny Emerson, Trey Emerson, David Emerson, Mike Lively, Mac Baxter, Bill Sartor, Stephen Gorove, Charlie Emerson, Bowdre Emerson, Phil Scott Emerson, Paul Hull Emerson, and Angus Emerson, III will serve as honorary pall bearers. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Peggy Emerson Scholarship at The University of Mississippi School of Education, c/o University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 or online at https://www.umfoundation.com/emerson.