Peggy Jane (Creel) Ware

Peggy Jane (Creel) Ware, 84, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, teacher, and devoted servant of her church and community.

Visitation will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, Alabama, on November 28, 2025, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Bro. Bill Drummons officiating and special music by Allen Hudson. Burial will take place at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Collier-Butler Funeral Home directing.

Peggy dedicated 35 years to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher. She taught at Alma Hinson, John Jones, First Baptist Church of Rainbow City, and retired from Southside Elementary after 29 years of faithful service. Her gentle spirit, patience, and love for children left a lasting impact on countless students and families.

Peggy’s life was filled with joy, fellowship, and a deep love for her church. She enjoyed traveling with her Sunday school group, listening to southern gospel music, and spending time antique shopping. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, a Sunday school teacher, and a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church.

She is survived by her children, Kim (Bob) Clark and Brian (Bradlie) Ware; her grandchildren, Brianna (Scott) Holderfield, Allison (Nick) Smith, Austin (Brittany) Ware, Chelsea Clark, Tanner Ware, Wilson Clark, and Derrick (Kelsey) Bowling; and her great-grandchildren, Crimson Holderfield, Lane Holderfield, Tobias Smith, Dominic Smith, Gabrielle Ware, Londyn Ware, Paisley Ware, Thomas Chambers, Envy Chambers, Kirsten (Cyle) Butenhoff, Abby (Drake) Stewart, and Gavin Holderfield. She is also survived by her great-great grandchild, Eden Stewart; and her sisters, Debbie Higgins and Abby Voss (Aaron Wesp).

Peggy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Larry Ware; her parents, Arline and William “Buck” Speaks; her parents-in-law, Stacey and Lula Ware; and her brother, Ross Speaks.

Pallbearers will be Scott Holderfield, Bill Klein, Derrick Bowling, Nick Smith, Austin Ware, Tanner Ware, Wilson Clark, and Gavin Holderfield.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Morgan Brock, Courtney Malcolm, and Lindy Gilbert of Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that school supplies be donated to the school of your choice in Peggy Jane’s honor, continuing her lifelong passion for education and children.

Peggy will be remembered for her kindness, her steadfast faith, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all who had the blessing of knowing her.