Margaret Thompson West •“Peggy” • “PT”

Margaret Thompson West, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed quietly from this life on March 14, 2026, at the age of 85, at home surrounded by her loving family at her bedside. Known to all who loved her as “Peggy” or simply “PT,” she lived with grace, warmth, and a spirit that touched every life she encountered. A proud daughter of Alabama and a devoted member of her community, Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and joy.

Early Life & Education

Peggy was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, where she was the cherished daughter of Kenneth Thompson and Margaret Wilbanks Thompson. She carried the warmth of her upbringing with her always. She went on to attend Auburn University, where she pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority. While usually reserved in nature, she could become quite boisterous when her Tigers took to the field on Saturday afternoons. After her studies at Auburn, she moved to Huntsville, Alabama to pursue a position with Boeing, a place where she would meet her future husband, Edmund.

Family

They built a beautiful life together, beginning their journey as a young married couple, first in Huntsville, Alabama, and then in Seattle, Washington. They would eventually find their way back home to Alabama, where they would put down deep roots in Vestavia Hills. Together they raised a family rooted in love and laughter. She is survived by her husband, Edmund Dawson West; her daughter, Kelley West Degarate (husband Paul Degarate); her son, Dawson Rogers West; her granddaughter, Megan Degarate Norwood (husband Austin Norwood); and her three dear sisters, Jerry Thompson Amerman (husband John Amerman), Anne Thompson, and Kay Thompson Martin (husband Ray Martin). She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Wilbanks Thompson, and her father, Kenneth Thompson.

Peggy also held a deep and special place in her heart for her in-laws, many of whom became family in every sense of the word. She is also survived by her in-laws: Johnny Dotson and Sarah West Dotson, John Powell and Mary West Powell, and too many amazing nieces and nephews to count. She was preceded in death by her in-laws John West, Carl West and Sybil Holhouser West, Tom Brown and Anne Henderson West Brown, and Lynn Watson and Dorothy West Watson.

Community & Passions

In addition to being an accomplished swimmer and basketball player, she was awarded “Most Athletic” in high school. Peggy was also an avid golfer whose passion for the game was matched only by her devotion to her fellow players. She served as Chairwoman of the Ladies Golf Association at Vestavia Hills Country Club, a role that reflected her natural leadership and her deep love for the sport and the community it brought together. On or off the course, she had a gift for making everyone around her feel at ease and valued.

Faith

Faith was the foundation of Peggy’s life. She was an active and devoted member of the Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills, where her faith community provided her with deep fellowship, purpose, and belonging. Her belief was not just something she practiced on Sundays — it was woven into the way she loved her family, served her community, and greeted each new day.

Peggy West was a woman of quiet strength and radiant warmth. Her laughter, her love for her family, and her unwavering spirit will be missed beyond measure. Those who knew her are richer for it, and the world is a better place for the 85 years she graced it.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at the

Church of the Ascension

1912 Canyon Road

Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Visitation 1:30-2:00 pm

Service 2:00 – 2:30 pm

Graveside burial afterwards at Elmwood Cemetery for family