Peggy Sue Jackson

Peggy Sue Jackson, age 74, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2025. The youngest of seven children, she was born on December 11, 1950, in Bell County, Kentucky, to Edgar and Alberta Napier.

Peggy was preceded in death by the father of her children and late husband, Jerry Cavender, and is survived by loving husband, Charles Michael “Mike” Jackson. She leaves behind her children, Amanda Sanders, Jessica Pals, and Jonathan Cavender; and her cherished grandchildren, Courtney and Jordan Sanders, and Ethan, Logan, and Lily Pals.

She was also preceded in death by siblings Bill Napier, Esther Napier, Joyce Kittrell, Kermit Napier, and Samuel Napier, and is survived by her sister Judy Baker.

A graduate of Norris High School, Peggy continued her education at Knoxville Business College. During her time in Knoxville, she also served as a resident assistant at the University of Tennessee, where she built lasting friendships and supported fellow students. She continued her professional career as a secretary with the Tennessee Valley Authority and International Paper, where she was admired for her dedication and skill.

Peggy’s faith was central to her life. She was a longtime member of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis until 2011, after which she joined Temple Baptist Church in Milan, Tennessee. In later years, she continued attending other churches, finding fellowship and encouragement wherever she worshiped.

Peggy and her husband Mike also volunteered for several years with Helping Hand of Humboldt, Tennessee, where they made many friends and contributed meaningfully to the community.

Peggy’s creativity and generosity shone through her many talents. She lovingly made quilts, clothing, and costumes for her children and grandchildren, and offered clothing alterations to anyone in need. In high school, she played the alto saxophone, and later became a proud “band mom” to all three of her children. She assisted with band uniform fittings and alterations at Shadowlawn Middle, Appling Middle, Bartlett High, Milan High, and the University of Memphis, supporting countless students with her skill and encouragement.

Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Peggy enjoyed photography and cake decoration, and was known for her warm personality. She loved meeting new people and could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything, leaving a lasting impression with her kindness and genuine interest in others.

A funeral service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with date and location to be determined. Following cremation, she will be interred in the Holy Cross Mausoleum at Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens, near her sister Joyce. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a woman whose love, faith, and generosity touched so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Helping Hand of Humboldt, Tennessee, via helpinghandhumboldt.com/donate honoring Peggy’s lifelong spirit of giving.

Peggy Sue Jackson will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and a friend to all. Her legacy of caring, creativity, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.