Peggy Hedrick Deierhoi

Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, and raised in Lawrenceville, Virginia, Peggy was the only child of James Lewis Hedrick and Mary Willie Womick Hedrick who instilled in her a deep intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, and a profound value for education.

Peggy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the College of William and Mary, a pioneer of her time as one of only two female math majors in her 1955 graduating class. She did graduate studies at Duke University and at age 56, completed her master's degree in education at Georgia State University. She was a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, and Women Leaders in Higher Education.

Peggy left an indelible mark on those she loved and the students she served. During her teaching career that spanned over 50 years, she taught at Hermitage High School in Richmond VA; at Durham High School in Durham North Carolina; at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Girls’ Preparatory School (GPS) in Chattanooga Tennessee, at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta Georgia. Peggy was head of the math department and three-time teacher of the year at GPS.

Peggy calculated that she taught more than 10,000 students and she genuinely cared about all of them. She was a huge advocate for math education for girls and women and convinced many young women to pursue careers in STEM. Peggy tirelessly made herself available to her students to make them all believe they could come to love math in the same way she did. She used a collaborative approach, her sense of humor, and her stylish appearance to make math fun and appealing. Many students declared Peggy as their favorite teacher and certainly the best dressed.

Most importantly, Peggy taught by example and was the living embodiment of integrity, inclusion, non-discrimination, open-mindedness, empathy and kindness. Peggy loved life and had a passion for the arts, nature and making other people feel special. She never met a stranger, was authentic and had a gift for listening, loving and keeping a positive attitude. She was a trusted friend who could keep a secret and always spoke affectionately about others.

Peggy was a lover of sports and competition at every level from an early age. At William and Mary, Peggy earned the female Athlete of the Year award for her participation in basketball, field hockey, cheerleading, and for being the college mascot. Throughout her life, she shared her joy of playing sports and games of all types, including swimming, tennis, bridge and scrabble. Family times were always centered around everyone being active and engaging in games and competitive activities.

Known as the Eveready bunny, Peggy loved adventure and never stopped being in wonder and awe of the world and people around her. She was a philanthropist and volunteer for the arts and educational causes, supporting the performing arts at UTC and exhibitions and events at the High Museum in Atlanta. In retirement, she worked at the lifelong learning programs at Queens University in Charlotte, NC and Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, FL.

Peggy could light up a room with her big smile, her infectious laugh and bright blue eyes. Smart, pretty and charming, Peggy also had a keen sense of humor which she maintained until her dying days. She loved to flirt and even in her 80’s, she would send gifts to herself from her claimed celebrity boyfriends and secret admirers.

More than anything, Peggy loved her family and always put them first. She is survived by her daughters Sherra Deierhoi Sewell (Albert Sewell) and Karen Deierhoi (David Vergoz); her grandchildren Henry Wilson (Lila), Hannah Wilson, and Conner Vergoz; as well as many cousins and other family members.

Always a giver, Peggy selflessly chose to donate her body for medical research and education through the Florida Anatomical Gifts Program.

In memory of Peggy, charitable gifts can be made to Girls Preparatory School for their STEM program at GPS.edu/GIVE