Virginia "Peggy" Luke

Virginia “Peggy” Bardwell Luke, 92, passed away on September 7, 2026 in Senatobia, Mississippi. She was born on May 8, 1934 in West Helena, Arkansas, to I.H. and Delia Embry Bardwell. She moved to Calhoun County and graduated from Derma Highschool in 1953 and later made her way to Jackson, Mississippi.

It was in Jackson that Peggy met the love of her life, Ivy Keith Luke, while they were both working at WLBT Channel 3. Their courtship included a glimpse of the humor they would share throughout their life together when Keith once presented Peggy with what she thought was a chocolate-covered cherry—only for her to discover, after taking a bite, that he had given her a chocolate-covered onion. Despite the prank, she married him anyway. Peggy and Keith were married in 1955 and shared 58 years together before his passing in 2013.

Throughout her life, Peggy worked as a secretary in a variety of settings, but some of the roles she treasured most were those centered around her family and her church. She was a devoted member and volunteer at Epworth United Methodist Church, where she found many ways to serve others. One of her greatest joys was singing in the church choir.

Peggy loved to sew and was an excellent cook, but more than anything, she loved bringing her family together. She was happiest preparing a family meal, filling her home for the holidays, and making sure there was always plenty for everyone. To her grandchildren, she was “Nana,” and some of their sweetest memories are of waking up at her house to the smell of her Raisin Bran “Nana muffins” or her famous banana bread baking in the kitchen. Her family will remember her most for the love she poured into caring for them and for creating a home where everyone knew they belonged and were loved.

She is survived by her children, Virginia Wallace of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Larry Keith Luke and his wife, Susan, of Efland, North Carolina; and Paul Luke and his wife, Debi, of Ruskin, Florida. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Delia, Rebecca, Amanda, Melissa, Celeste, Keith, William, Joseph, and Adam; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jack Bardwell; and her sister, Dora Suggs.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, on September 10, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Lakewood Funeral Home on September 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Lakewood Memorial Park.