She later affectionately became known to many as GiGi, once she became a sassy grandmother. We take great solace in her peaceful transition in San Antonio, TX on April 4, 2021, a beautiful Easter Sunday, surrounded by the generations of family members she helped nurture, encourage and love during her fruitful life of 93 years.
Upon the death of her mother when she was just 12, Peggye and her five siblings were raised by her father’s selfless sisters Carrie, Clara, Edna, Bessie and Gertrude. She attended primary through high school in Elba, where she graduated as valedictorian. In 1945, Peggye Adams moved to Montgomery to attend the Alabama State College for Negroes, now known as Alabama State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1951. There, she was initiated in Beta Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and began a legacy of family membership in the oldest intercollegiate historically African American Greek-lettered sorority. In 1948, Peggye married Julius T. Hargrove. To their union, seven children were born: Angela (deceased), Julius Lynn, Evelyn Leah-Patrice, Michael Wayne, Sibyl Yvette Kent (Bill), Terry Randolph (Joyce), and Reginald Pierre (Ann). A strong and graceful Black woman, she took pride in raising six extraordinary children who are all great contributors to society within their own communities.
Mrs. Hargrove began her career teaching primary grades in rural Alabama school districts and earned her retirement at Maxwell AFB Elementary DoDDS in Montgomery, AL. She was a highly respected faculty member for over 27 years, most known for her sensitive and exceptional care in teaching first graders and as a reading specialist.
Peggye was a passionate member of the Athenian Social Club and served as President, leading the club through some of their most turbulent times. In retirement, her community interests included volunteering at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts; however, she always made time to be “GiGi in residence” when called upon!
Ms. Peggye was an active member of 1st Congregational Christian Church (1st Church), serving with the Women’s Fellowship. When 1st Church birthed a new ministry called Community Congregational Church, she became a charter member and volunteered to co-chair the Education Ministry. This team launched an after-school tutorial program at nearby Bellingrath Jr High where her children had attended decades prior. Peggye’s involvement positively shaped the minds of children of many ages.
Ms. Peggye was an adventurous and curious traveler. She visited France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with her oldest son and family; the Bahamas and Cancun with friends; and braved an 80th birthday trip to Hawaii with her youngest son. She also filled her days with walking, biking, dancing, jazz music, gardening and solving math problems.
In 2008, GiGi moved to San Antonio to live with her youngest daughter and family. This afforded her the opportunity to spend precious time getting to know grandchildren intimately while sharing special occasions in Southwest Texas. She became a passionate San Antonio Spurs fan and attended many games in person, as she enjoyed basketball throughout her life, having played the sport during her high school years. GiGi especially cherished ‘shooting hoops’ with her grandchildren. In fact, the Spurs’ Black & Silver sequined cap became her trademark.
All of Peggye’s siblings preceded her in death: brothers Wallace, Frank, and Wayne Adams, and sisters Betty Jean Rankins (Nelson) and Sybil McFarlin (Volney). Also preceding her in death are cousins, Wilma Adams Moore, James Adams, and Mary Tom Adams, who were also raised by the loving Aunts.
In addition to her six children, Peggye leaves to honor her legacy fourteen grandchildren, Neill (Lan), Marty (Gary), Sybil, Brian (Alisha), Charles (Jasmine), William, Jr. (Malorie), Reginald II (Jennifer), Jasmine, Stephanie, Phillip, Courtney, Sydney, Nicole, Thea Rose; nine great-grandchildren, Rahmaan, Prestyn, Collin, Zxandur, Evelyn, Amina, Zoriah, Zaniya, Shai; one great-great grandchild, River; brother-in-law, Volney McFarlin Jr.; nieces, Stephanie and Sandra Rankins; two nephews, Volney McFarlin III (Lisa) and Chelsea Hargrove (Anita); three great-nieces, Andrea Martinez; Valerie Calloway, and Orris Patrice Johnson (Pavel); one great-nephew, Renard Calloway (Kelly); special cousin, John Mitchell (Pat), and special daughter-in-law, Karen D. Hargrove; along with a host of extended family members and lifelong friends.
As we now honor the fulfillment of her dreams and visions, we will forever be encouraged by her presence in our hearts, as evidence of the eternal love of our Shero, Mom, Queen Mother Peggye, GiGi, who will dwell in us forever.
To preserve Peggye's legacy, the family has established a scholarship fund in her honor.
All donations may be sent to:
Community Congregational United Church of Christ c/o Trustee Ministry - PAH Memorials
3481 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36105.
Checks payable to CCUCC with the name Peggye Hargrove or her initials PAH in the memo or notes section.
Humbly Submitted,
The Family
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5