Peggy Marie Marie B. Ernest

Mrs. Ernest was born August 19, 1935 in LaGrange, daughter of the late William Hoyt Bennett and Arrie Pannell Bennett. She was employed with Milliken and Company has Human Resource Director before retiring after 33 years of service. During her career with Milliken and Company she developed Milliken University. Mrs. Ernest was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square, Talisman Garden Club, and the Georgia Textile Manufacturing Association. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jeff David Smith, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Gene Ernest; daughter, Peggy Laraine Smith, both of LaGrange, GA; son, William Charles (Jane) Smith of Marietta, GA; step son, Billy Gene (Karen) Ernest, Jr. of Greenville, SC; step daughter, Wendy Lynn (Steven) Wilkins of Charleston, SC; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Douglas T. Bennett; sister, Barbara B. Bradfield; mother-in-law, Jessie Lou Trott Bettis of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at First Baptist Church on the Square with Dr. Paul Baxter, Rev. Paul Blair, Mr. Gaines Adams, and Mr. Douglas Bennett officiating. The gathering of family and friends will immediately follow the memorial service from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions be made to Hospice LaGrange in memory of Mrs. Peggy Marie Ernest.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636