Peggy was born August 7th, 1923, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and is a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thunder Clan. Her Indian name is Pem y tah moke, translated “Storm Clouds coming, then changing direction". Peggy attended Segar Indian School and Sacred Heart Indian when she was very young. Peggy then attended Putnam City High School before graduating from Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, KS where she enjoyed playing on the basketball team. Peggy was involved with her tribe as a young woman, attending Ed Mack powwows with her mother, Lucy Logan Griggs. Peggy became the Secretary of the Sac and Fox tribe in the l960’s and traveled to Washington D.C. to assist on the Claims Allocations for Sac and Fox Nation. Peggy worked many years for the United States government as HUD Indian Program supervisor in the Denver Regional office, and the Hiawatha Kansas office before retiring in 1985. Peggy enjoyed sewing as well as traveling with her adventures taking her to places such as Australia, China, and Europe. She also enjoyed reading, watching golf and camping in Estes Park, CO.
In 2006, Peggy moved back to Oklahoma from Denver, Colorado to be near her family. She could now watch her grandchildren and their families grow, watch them play sports, and attend their school activities.
In 2012, Peggy was recognized by AARP Oklahoma as an Indian Elder Honoree. Five years later, she was recognized by Sac and Fox Nation as a 2017-2018 “Mother of the Year”.
She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Peggy is preceded in passing by her parents, Lucy Logan Griggs and Joseph W. Griggs and grandchildren Christopher Nelson and Joseph Paul Big Eagle. Peggy is survived by her son John Wallace Nelson, his wife, Patti Nelson; daughters, Peggy Big Eagle, and Jacquelyn Sue Southern; grandchildren Nicole Johnene Flow, her husband Nathan Flow, and Janet Helms; great-grandchildren Gabe Flow, Kobe Flow, Hailey Helms, Tara Baker, Lauren Wheeler, her husband, Taylor Wheeler; great-great-grandchildren Blake Morton, Alaina Morton, Owen Wheeler, and Cassidy Thornton.
Flowers are welcome; contributions may also be sent to your local animal shelter, in the name of Millie, mothers beloved Shih Tzu.
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