Peggy Jernigan Hawks

Born on September 15, 1931, Peggy was raised in several small communities across eastern North Carolina, including Red Oak and Rock Ridge. As a child of the Great Depression and World War II, she experienced early the realities of scarcity and uncertainty, yet thrived thanks to the steadfast love and resourcefulness of her devoted parents.

Raised in a family of career educators who deeply valued learning, Peggy and her two sisters followed proudly in those footsteps. In a remarkable display of loyalty and determination, each sister worked to help put the next through college. Peggy graduated from the North Carolina Women’s College—now UNC-Greensboro—and embarked on a fulfilling, decades-long career teaching business subjects.

She began her career in the era of manual typewriters, carbon paper, shorthand, and business English, teaching first at Laurinburg High School and later at Broughton High School. Peggy then spent many years at Hardbarger Business College before completing her career at Wake Technical Community College, where her students ranged in age from teenagers to senior citizens. As office technology transformed rapidly, she was often just one step ahead of her students, yet never allowed herself to fall behind. The number of people she helped earn their first job or navigate their introduction to computers surely reaches into the many hundreds. Peggy remained a lifelong learner and a voracious reader throughout her life.

A devoted Episcopalian, Peggy was a member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh, NC, for 62 years—a community she loved dearly. After retiring, she joyfully volunteered at the church’s front desk for many years, supporting countless new staff and volunteers. Her gifts of stewardship and service were deeply important to her, and even when she could no longer attend services in person, she remained faithfully “in her pew,” seated at her laptop each Sunday with her prayer book and order of service. She cherished her priests and her congregation—and she was greatly loved in return. At the time of her passing, she was one of the oldest members of the parish.

Peggy was a devoted mother to her three daughters—Cindy, Susan, and Sharon—and poured her love and strength into each of them. While she embraced motherhood with her whole heart, the care and advocacy she provided for her youngest daughter, Sharon, became the defining focus of her life. Sharon’s physical and developmental challenges were many and complex during a time when services and treatment options were limited. Peggy refused to accept bleak predictions; instead, she envisioned a fuller, better future for her child and fought fiercely to make it possible. She even drove to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in search of answers and support. Peggy’s determination not only shaped Sharon’s life for the better but also helped open doors for other families in the region who would later benefit from her early advocacy. Through her example, she taught her daughters the strength that comes from standing firmly for your family and supporting one another through every season of life.

Peggy loved her family deeply and delighted in celebrating any occasion surrounded by them. One of her greatest joys was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was immensely proud of each member of her growing family, taking every opportunity to share their accomplishments, milestones, talents, and triumphs with anyone who would listen. Whether it was an academic achievement, a new job, a personal goal reached, or simply a moment of kindness, Peggy celebrated it wholeheartedly. Speaking about her family gave her enormous pride, and she loved nothing more than bragging—warmly and joyfully—about each of them.

She was also a passionate sports fan, especially when cheering on her beloved NC State Wolfpack football and basketball teams. Her animated, enthusiastic cheering at family watch parties will remain a treasured memory.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Helen Jernigan; her sister, Suzanne Jernigan Proctor; and her daughter, Sharon Jackson. She leaves behind a large and loving family, including her daughters, Cindy Jackson Rice (Steve) and Susan Jackson (Jane); grandsons Steven Walker (Natalie), Matthew Walker (Brittany), Nick Turecky, Tyler Turecky, and Luke Turecky; bonus grandchildren Hunter Geurink and Sydnee Browning; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Walker, Jackson Walker, Gabriel Walker, and Waylon Walker; bonus great-grandchildren Carlie Love and Vance Love; sister Helen Jernigan Shine; sister-in-law Martha Watson Jackson; and three generations of beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind the dear friends in her once-a-month luncheon group, whose companionship she treasured.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh, NC. A reception and visitation with the family will follow in Shepherd’s Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Peggy's name to the Church of the Good Shepherd, by using the link below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Peggy, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.