Born on August 23, 1931, in Amherst County, Peggy was the daughter of the late Frank Montague Burleigh and Margaret Wicker Burleigh. A lifelong resident of the county, she was an active member of Madison Heights Christian Church, where her unwavering faith and dedication were evident to all who knew her.
Peggy was preceded in death by her cherished husband of sixty years, William Charles “Bill” Abbitt and her sister, Iris B. Drumheller.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her daughters fondly remember her as “the nearest thing to an angel that we’ve ever known,” a sentiment that echoes through the lives she touched. Her warmth and kindness made her a beloved figure to all who had the privilege of knowing her. None knew her but to love her, none named her but to praise her.
She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Abbitt (M. Blair “Robbie” Robertson) and Patricia “Pat” Abbitt (Wayne Doyle), both of Madison Heights. Her memory will continue through her grandchildren, Melanie Vaden Bryant and Morgan Blair Robertson; her great-grandchildren, Justin C. Martin (Samantha) and Hannah Vaden Martin; and her six great-great-grandchildren, Levi, Rayleigh, McKenzie, Maddie, Clay, and William.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Melanie and Hannah for the loving care they provided Peggy in her final years, as well as to the dedicated staff of Centra Hospice.
A service to celebrate Peggy’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Whitten Monelison Chapel, with the Rev. George Harris and Rev. Edward Austin officiating. Interment will follow at Meade Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Whitten Monelison Chapel.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Madison Heights Christian Church or the Amherst Humane Society.
