Peggy Lacey Holmes, age 89, of Pelham, Alabama, passed away Friday afternoon, September 10, 2021. She was born to James Frazier Lacey and Margaret Sessions Lacey on September 11, 1931 in Fairfield, Alabama. She met Douglas DeWitt Holmes from Wylam, Alabama just before graduating from Fairfield High School. Peggy and Doug were married February 1, 1952 and spent 64 wonderful years together. The couple had three boys: Ronnie, Ken, and Don. Peggy was a champion of children and public education in Birmingham, serving in various roles in the Parent-Teacher Association, most notably as the President of the Birmingham Council of P.T.A. in 1976-77. She spearheaded the drive to air-condition Charles A. Brown Elementary School in the early seventies, realizing the goal just in time for her youngest son to enjoy the air conditioning for one year, but helping to ensure many children other than her own could learn in cooler classrooms. She was active in the Fairfield United Methodist Church for many years, joining New Hope Presbyterian Church after moving to Pelham. In later years, Peggy made many new friends through the P.E.O sisterhood.
Peggy was many things--a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal friend--and she was frequently, intentionally and unintentionally, hilarious. The boys recall the side-splitting chaos that ensued whenever she attempted to assist Doug in launching the family boat at Smith Lake. And she told family stories with her own blend of pizzazz and humor: we urge you to search YouTube for “Pine Thicket Films” to view several video clips of Peggy telling family tales in her own unique style. Peggy is survived by her three sons, Ronald DeWitt Holmes, James Kenneth Holmes (Tonya), Donald Steven Holmes (Carolyn); two grandchildren, Storm Alexander Holmes and Ansley Elizabeth Holmes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Peggy was preceded in death by husband, her parents, and her sister Barbara Lacey Pickering. The family would like to thank the staff of Chapman Healthcare Center in Alexander City for their loving care of Peggy during her recent stay. Also, we thank Pastor Donny Acton for his many home visits over the years.
Due to Covid concerns, a private, family graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery at 2:30pm, with Pastor Donny Acton officiating.
The service will be live-streamed over Facebook through a link on www.facebook.com/ridoutselmwood website. Go to Elmwood Chapel’s Facebook page and like it; when the service starts a notification will be sent.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Holmes family.
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