Peggy Schlemmer, 92 years old, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born to Burnett Coleman “B.C.” and Louise Cowart on September 6, 1932, in Haleyville, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Norman “Norm” Clark Schlemmer; her older sister, Ann Schleder; and her twin sister, Betty Harrison.
Peggy graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, where she was an Alpha Delta Pi Sorority member. Peggy was an active member of the P.E.O. International Sisterhood for 63 years. In addition to being a member of South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, she was a faithful member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Huntsville for 59 years.
Peggy was a woman of unwavering faith, a pillar of strength for her family and friends. Her dedication to her loved ones was uncompromising, and she treasured each connection. She shared a special bond with her sisters, Ann and Betty, and maintained a rich tapestry of friendships from childhood to adulthood, teaching us that family is not just about blood but the bonds we choose to nurture. She and Norm were known for their love of entertaining guests and opened their home to friends, neighbors, and family. Each year for the past three decades, they organized a 3-day Schlemmer Family Reunion, a welcoming, albeit robust, event held primarily at Monte Sano State Park.
Peggy’s love and influence extended to every member of her family. She was not just a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was a matriarch whose love encompassed every family member.
Survivors include four children and their spouses, Norman Clark Schlemmer, II, (Rhonda), Robert Alan Schlemmer, Diane Schlemmer, and Peggy Suzanne Andrews (Bill); eighteen grandchildren and their spouses, Ben Schlemmer (Ashleigh), Karis Lovelady (Anthony), Mandee Shelby (Fred), Sarah Beth Schlemmer, Sydney Allen (Max), Jordan Schlemmer, John Schlemmer (Vanessa), Anna Grace Schlemmer, Drew Schlemmer, Cole Schlemmer, Noman Clark Schlemmer, III, Carrie Correll (Ben), Tabitha Schlemmer, William Schlemmer, Stephanie Baker-Atherly (Miles), Travis Baker, Alexandra Alfano (Will), and Ryder Andrews (Kelsi); and nineteen great-grandchildren, Cannon, Keane, Breck, Tyleigh, Ashlyn, Harper, Carrigan, Lawson, Kinsley, Kennedy, O’Ryan, Bryson, Brooklyn, Ava, Jada, Titus, Acasia, Noa Grace, and two more on the way.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join them at South Highland Presbyterian Church (2035 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL) for a memorial service on Monday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will be from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. This service will be a time to remember and celebrate Peggy’s life; all are welcome to attend.
Peggy will be interred beside her husband at Maple Hill Cemetery (202 Maple Hill Drive, Huntsville, AL) during a graveside service at 2:00 p.m.; all are welcome to attend. Peggy’s nine grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family is deeply grateful for the care, companionship, and heartfelt tenderness that Peggy’s caregivers, Bonnie, Nancy, Jennifer, Veronica, and her hospice nurse, Jeannie, provided during her final days. Their support was invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Memorials can be sent to the following organizations Peggy supported that held a special place in her heart: South Highland Presbyterian Church, Faith Presbyterian Church, and The Presbyterian Home for Children.
