Peggy Sue Oliver

Retired North Carolina Human Resources Leader

Peggy Oliver, of Raleigh, North Carolina, a retired leader in North Carolina Human Resources, passed away on April 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, who will continue her legacy and example of care and compassion for others.

She was born on April 2, 1934, to the late William Bryan and Maude Phipps Oliver in Ashe County, North Carolina, a community and "home" which remained an integral part of her 91 years. Peggy graduated Cum Laude from Woman's College (The University of North Carolina-Greensboro) in 1956. She began a distinguished 52-year career in Human Resources at the North Carolina Department of State Personnel, where she was a pioneering leader for women in government service. Quietly and without fanfare, Peggy worked her entire career to improve the quality and processes in personnel for NC State Government. Her impact was so immense that the Office of State Personnel established the "Oliver Society Prize", Lifetime Achievement Award, in her honor. Her deep passion for people and dedication to serving the citizens of North Carolina set an example to one and all as a standard of excellence in public service.

In her post career years, Peggy took on the challenge of tournament duplicate bridge, using the same grit, determination and acumen she employed during her career. Quiet, yet fiercely competitive, she loved the game and, of course, a "winning hand." When not at a bridge table, she could be found traveling the world with friends and family, delighting in new adventures and experiences. For however much she enjoyed those experiences, she was happiest in front of her television cheering on her "Carolina Tar Heels", texting family and friends throughout the games with comments on particular plays. Regardless of the season or the teams' record, Peggy's heart bled Carolina blue.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Clairene and Tom Cockerham; brother-in-law, Robert Lee Huffman; and her longtime friend and companion, Cap Lamb.

She is survived by her sister, Billie Huffman (Monroe, NC); nieces and nephews: Cathy Lippard and husband Hal (Charlottesville, VA), Beth Meriwether and husband Edward (Roanoke, VA), Julie Herr (Charlotte, NC), Carol Kendrick and husband Larry (Charlotte, NC), and Bryan Huffman (Monroe, NC); stepson, Stuart Lamb and wife Jan (Columbia, MD); and special great-nieces and nephews: Stephanie Meriwether, Elizabeth Herr, Austin Herr, Robert Kendrick, and Kate Kendrick. She will also be missed by her sisters of Beta Sigma Phi, colleagues in the state of NC, bridge groups, and her many friends, along with devoted caregivers, Mary Kahangara and Annie Mauhoka.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615 on Friday, May 2nd at 3:00 p.m. The family will greet friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A service of Committal and internment in her beloved mountains shall be at a later date in Jefferson, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Peggy's honor may be sent to Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church (Music Fund) or to Jefferson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson, NC 28640.