Norma C. Pegues, at the age of 90, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in the Hospice unit of North Mississippi Medical Center.
Norma Jeane Crockett was born, in the midst of the great depression, on March 22, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee; she was the youngest child of Mary Pauline “Polly” Grant Crockett and John Wesley Crockett.
When Norma was in the fifth grade, her father’s career relocated them to Tupelo. They joined Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, where she kept her membership throughout her life. While at Tupelo High School, she was a member of the marching band; she played the French horn, was a majorette, and drum major her junior year. Following her graduation in 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, William E. “Bill” Pegues, Jr. on December 28, 1951, at her childhood church, Calvary Baptist Church, in Jackson.
Norma focused her young adult life on expanding their family, but she had many roles outside the home. She was an active member of the Tupelo Junior Auxiliary and had served as President of the Tupelo Hospital Auxiliary. Norma and Billy were also both very involved in the church training union program.
She enjoyed her time with her Ladies bridge club, which continued meeting for over 40 years. Norma cherished her family, and when her children were younger she especially enjoyed their numerous camping trips and also spending time on the Lake at Pickwick.
As her children grew older, she worked a number of years alongside Billy, at his family business, Pegues Funeral Directors. Although she was a licensed funeral director, she was instrumental in the day-to-day office operations.
After retirement, she and Billy spent their winters in Palm Beach and Highland Beach, Florida and traveled as often as their health would allow. After Billy’s death in 2002, she remained in Tupelo close to family. Until her own health began to decline, she continued to find joy in traveling with family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Shera P. Groves (Toby), Ed Pegues, Wes Pegues (Suzanne), Greg Pegues (Sandy), and Suzanne P. Ratliff; grandchildren, Mike Beers (Rose), Stephanie McEwen (Aaron), Mary Kathryn Brock (Jodie), Dr. Ben Groves (Dr. Kira), Ashley Richie (Justin), Dr. Jonathan Pegues (Monica), Stuart Pegues, Whitney Pegues-Beck (Jason), William Pegues, IV (Alyiah), Wriley Abby Pegues, Mary Frances Ratliff (Andrew), and Will Ratliff (Arielle); great-grandchildren, Blac McEwen, Bobby McEwen, Abbey McEwen, Preston Stults, Jolie Brock, Katherine Groves, Peter Groves, Kammy Groves, Sophia Groves, Summer Richie, Katherine Richie, Piper Richie, Harrison Beck, Aliviah Pegues, and Kingsley Pegues.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Mary Helen Ford; brother, Charlie Crockett; grandson, Matt Groves; and great-grandsons, Logan Pegues and Grayson Ratliff.
Services honoring Norma’s life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Dr. John Boler and Dr. Bryant Barnes officiating. Graveside services will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be Mike Beers, Dr. Jonathan Pegues, Stuart Pegues, William Pegues, IV, Will Ratliff, Jodie Brock, and Jason Beck.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1008, Tupelo, MS 38802, or The Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801.
