Margaret "Peggy" Gray Marks

Margaret “Peggy” Gray Marks, 75, the daughter of Dr. O’Neal McMurrian Gray and Ruth Morgan Gray, was born in Dallas, TX ,on February 4, 1947. She died peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2022, after a short illness.

Peggy graduated from Highland Park High School in 1964, received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Texas Tech University in 1968 and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Southern Methodist University in 1977.

Peggy started her career as a math teacher at Lake Highlands Junior High School. She then transitioned to being a family counselor for a twenty-year period while her children, Jenni and Jake, were growing up. Finally, after her kids went to college, she reentered public education and became a school counselor for both the Denton and Plano school districts. Her career in counseling did not stop at the office, Peggy was always there for friends and family, being a grounding force through any tough times.

Peggy was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta at Texas Tech and continued to be involved and support the sorority throughout her life. With her family being so established in Dallas, she was immensely interested in all things Big D. Some of those include the Dallas Museum of Art, Highland Park ISD, Dallas Theater Center, The Dallas Morning News, SMU and The State Fair of Texas (Fletchers!). She grew up as a member of Park Cities Baptist Church and then became a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church with her children and grandchildren.

She had an immense passion for books, and books, and more books. As an avid reader and book collector, Peggy amassed a library of first edition signed books that the family will treasure as a lasting memory. She also loved to travel, especially with her daughter Jenni. They enjoyed many trips throughout both the US and Europe with the Amalfi Coast being her favorite place on earth.

Nothing meant more to Peggy than her kids and grandkids and you can see her kind soul in each and every one of them. They will miss but cherish their time with their Nonna.

Along with a dear group of friends that she was very close to, Peggy is survived by her children, Jenni Scoggins, Jake and Beth Marks; grandchildren Jackson and Johnson Scoggins, Ella and Collison Marks; sister, Kitty Morris; niece, Maggie and her husband Gordie Fears; great-nieces Caitlin and Susan Fears. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Doc Gray, as well as Jenni and Jake’s father, Ronnie Marks.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75205. Livestream link: https://online.brushfire.com/hpumc/funeral/ Peggy would want everyone to wear bright colors to celebrate her beautiful and well lived life, with red being her absolute favorite.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Peggy’s name be made to the Highland Park Education Foundation at https://www.hpef.org/memorial-gifting or mailed to 4201 Grassmere Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75205.