Peggy Usher Theus, age 82, passed away at her residence on December 25th, 2023, surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Peggy was born in Augusta, Georgia on May 20, 1941 to parents Alvin Usher and Frances Owen Usher. She attended the University of Georgia and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honorary society and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Peggy married her husband, Dr. Thomas Theus, in 1961, and together they raised their four children on a family farm in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. During these years, Peggy instilled in her children the value of hard work as well as her love for the outdoors, gardening, and a deep appreciation for all of God’s creation.
After raising her children, Peggy went back to school and graduated with honors from Columbus State University with a degree in Communications. Thereafter, she served as executive assistant to former Columbus Mayor James Jernigan and later as the executive secretary for the Bradley-Turner Foundation where she had the privilege of working closely with the late William “Bill” Turner. Peggy was an enthusiastic early promoter and organizer of riverfront development in Columbus and worked closely with other community leaders during the 1990’s to help bring such projects as the Columbus Riverwalk and the Coca Cola Space Science Center to fruition. When speaking of the importance of the Chattahoochee River, she would often say: “Only God can make a River, and He is not making any more.” For many years, Peggy was active with various local charitable organizations, including serving on the Columbus Hospice Board of Directors.
Peggy was a gifted public speaker, pianist, artist and also enjoyed writing poetry. She accepted Christ as her Savior early in life and was a Seventh-Day Adventist. She loved spending time with family, fishing and other outdoor activities.
In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her brother, Walton Usher. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Tom, and four children, Dr. William Theus (Renee) of Calhoun, Georgia, Ted Theus (Brenda), Jennifer Steelmon (Edward), Elizabeth Glass (Dr. Brooks K.), all of Harris County, Georgia, along with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Visitation and a celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Columbus with visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any donations in Peggy’s honor be made to Columbus Hospice. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the wonderful caregivers who provided excellent care to Peggy during her final years allowing her to stay at home.
