Elizabeth "Peggy" Ann Shealey

Elizabeth Ann Shealey was born to Lorenzo Murphy and Mildred Murphy on August 14, 1944 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Elizabeth, best known as Peggy, attended North School Elementary in Fayetteville, NC until the age of nine when she moved to Washington State with her Aunt Willie Eddies Williams. Peggy continued her education, becoming very involved in extracurricular activities such as; ASB, Girls’ Glee, Girls’ League, and Big Sister at John Rogers High School in Spokane, WA where she received her diploma with the graduating class of 1964.

Post graduation, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Cecil Donald Shealey in Spokane, WA on July 27, 1964. To this Union two children were born, Cecil Donald Shealey Jr. and Lloyd Celestial Shealey. She also had three grandchildren; Deserae Ann Abed-Rabbo, Kionna Marie Shealey and S. Isiah Shealey, who blessed her with great grandchildren; Penelope Rose Weitmann, Kaine Roman Doyle, Sonya Jade Kolesnik and Vaughn Arthur Kolesnik on the way.

Peggy had five siblings, all of whom she adored and spoke of often. Four brothers; Richard Murphy (deceased), William Murphy (deceased), Melvin Murphy (deceased), and Arthur Murphy, and one sister, Mildred Murphy. From these siblings Peggy gained a wonderful 20 nephews and 17 nieces.

A dedicated wife and mother, Peggy greatly prided herself on her love for caring for others. Beyond being the glue that made her family whole and the magic that made her house a home, she also participated in the foster care field contributing in any way she could. Commonly known in her neighborhood as the candy woman, children knew they could come knock on her door and be greeted with a smile and a bowl of sweets to pick from, her heart truly knew no bounds.

In keeping with her loving nature, one of Peggy’s most treasured hobbies was cooking with her mother which translated to continued delicious dishes and big family meals for holidays. She loved to host events/parties at her home, filling every room with music, joy, and laughter. Time with her husband and her sons was her favorite passed time, she enjoyed getting dressed to the nines and going to the casino where she often won. He granddaughter affectionately nicknamed her Lady Luck as she was undefeated on the slots. Peggy loved to dance and had a passion for good music, her husband Cecil wrote and cut a record for her called “Go Go Girl (Go Girl Go)” released by Normal Records, which brought her great pride and she cherished.

Peggy will be mourned by many as she leaves behind family and friends across the country in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Washington. The hearts she touched will take with them her legacy of strength of will, generosity of heart, and freedom of spirit.