Peggy Ellender Bickham Harvey

Peggy Ellender Bickham Harvey, was born June 22, 1943, in Franklinton, La. She was the third child born to Mr. Simmie Sr. and Luna Bickham. Peggy attended public school and completed her high school education in Washington Parish School District in Franklinton, LA., where she was recognized as a serious scholar and talented majorette. Peggy was also well-known for her impressive athletic skills and leadership abilities. In the sixth grade Peggy had no idea the handsome young boy that pulled her hair and threw rocks at her would become the love of her life. After graduating high school, Peggy followed her heart and Bonny to Los Angeles, CA, where the two would become one on October 15, 1962. The newly Weds began their life journey together and began building their family legacy through their two sons, Keith and Kevin Harvey. While residing in Los Angles, Peggy was employed by Newman's, Buchaltor and Fields Law Firm in the accounting department for 10 years before she and Bonny embarked on their journey to Houston. For many years Bonny provided for the family allowing Peggy the opportunity to pour herself wholeheartedly into their sons as well as the many children who gravitated to her in the neighborhood as well as those she availed herself to coach on the field, court, and in life. As she broadened her reach and scope of impact she gained employment as the Attendance Supervisor at Hoffman Middle School in Aldine Independent School District. Being very passionate about education and desiring to be a model for her sons, Peggy pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, with a minor in History from Texas Southern University. She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This noted accomplishment steered her into her role as the head coach for the 8th grade Girls volleyball, basketball, and track teams for 15 years. Peggy would later pursue her Master's in Education from Texas Southern University. This academia accomplishment gave way to her providing students at Shotwell Middle School guidance in appropriate classes and exposure to collegiate ad career opportunities preparing them for both present and future success as the head 8th grade curriculum counselor. This brought great happiness and fulfillment to her professional career until she retired in 2002. Peggy was a member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church locally where Pastor Roderick Dawson served as the spiritual vessel providing watch over her soul. How she loved her Pastor and his sweet wife! Later in life, Peggy was blessed to find a wonderful companion in Mr. Tommy Yancy, who she met in 2007, and who remained at her side until she was called home. Peggy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bonny Ray Harvey, her parents, Simmie Sr. and Luna Bickham, her sister, Diana Dillon, and her brother, Simmie Jr. She leaves to cherish her distinct life-lessons and fond memories her sons, Keith (Aretha) and Kevin Harvey, her brother Robert Bickham, special companion, Mr. Tommy Yancy, special daughter, Tonya Dixon, five God children, Jordan Graves, Brooke Harvey, Cedric Jones, Eric Pogue, and Gregory Deese, two granddaughters, Korie Strawder and Kristian Harvey, brother-in-laws, Ross Harvey (Sarah), Harvell Harvey (Ellen), Larry Harvey and sister-in-laws Geraldine Alfred, Pearlean Sims, Catherine Harvey, Becky Harvey, and host of nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.