Peggy Barnes Criner, 92, homemaker, was born August 9, 1933, in the Lightfoot Community of Lauderdale County, Tennessee. She fulfilled her God-appointed time and passed peacefully from this earth at Asbury Cove Assisted Living in Ripley, Tennessee, on April 30, 2026. Peggy, only daughter of the late Woodson and Katherine Akin Barnes, attended Ripley High School where she met Rozelle Criner whom she wed at the age of sixteen. Their young love endured, and Rozelle was, until his death, her rock, provider, and protector for seventy-five years.
Out of their union came three sons: Ivan, Carter and Clint Criner. Early years for the couple were spent creating a home for their sons and enjoying extended family and friends, especially their Thompson Avenue neighbors and friends from church. The family regularly joined others at The Chute for afternoons of skiing and picnicking and hosted frequently at Open Lake. Tragically, the couple endured the unspeakable loss of all three of their adult sons as well as granddaughter, Elizabeth Criner. These deaths and that of her husband before her evoked an understandable sense of great sadness, but Peggy persevered despite her pain and own health struggles. Her younger sibling, Akin Barnes of Halls, whom Peggy enjoyed “mothering,” and stepfather, Benjamin Walpole, also preceded her in death.
Earlier years with their sons’ activities and the birth of each grandchild or great-grandchild brought enormous joy. News of each one was of paramount importance to Peggy, and nothing cheered her like a visit or phone call from them. Left to cherish her memory are grandsons Clay (Julie), Woodson and John Criner of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Andrew Criner of Ripley; great- granddaughter Maggie Criner, of Covington; great-grandsons, Will and Ben Criner of Knoxville; and Chandler Criner, also of Covington, Tennessee. Other survivors include daughters-in-law, Jean Criner of Ripley and Michelle Rainwater of Knoxville; niece and nephew, Shannon Blackwood and Curt Barnes, both of Halls, Tennessee. Peggy also leaves long-time friend and aide, Willie Tyus, and two particular friends, Candy Blackwood and Marilyn McMahan Craig, who were regular visitors and demonstrated extraordinary love and devotion toward her.
From infancy Peggy was a member of Lightfoot United Methodist Church. There she was a youth Sunday School teacher, church membership chairman, and member and officer of the United Methodist Women. Following the close of the Lightfoot Church, she attended Ripley First United Methodist Church.
Throughout her many years at the Lightfoot Church, Peggy served as church pianist. When asked to play for weddings, funerals or special occasions, she freely answered the call of friend or stranger. That, she asserted, was her Christian ministry. Love of music also led her to seek to instill that same appreciation in others as she taught piano lessons in her home. As a member of the Thursday Evening Musicale, she greatly enjoyed her interaction with other musicians.
A world traveler, she and Rozelle explored numerous countries and cultures together, and in later years Peggy continued her travels on her own or with other family and friends. Those travels produced rare adventures and fostered friendships that endured for a lifetime. Closer to home, she was vitally interested in the citizens of Ripley and Lauderdale County and supported her husband’s roles as Mayor and County Executive.
Per Mrs. Criner’s instruction and desire for simplicity, visitation will be held on May 11, 2026, in the chapel of Garner’s Funeral Home of Ripley, 305 Lake Drive, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. with a public graveside service at Ripley Memorial Gardens to follow at 2:00 p.m. Long-time friend and former pastor, Reverend Jim Peyton, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Martha’s Cupboard of Ripley First United Methodist Church, 145 South Main St., Ripley, TN 38063; Lightfoot Cemetery Association, PO Box 225, Ripley, TN 38063-0225; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
