Peggy Nell Bailey Crawford, 95, was born April 21, 1931, in Sullivan Gardens, TN and passed peacefully on August 13, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert Eugene (Gene) Crawford (6/20/2014); her parents, Jonathan Harlan and Nellie Childress Bailey of whom she was their youngest daughter; her brothers and sisters-in-law, J.R. and Dana Bailey, Paul and Bonnie Bailey; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Louise and Sam Williams, Betty and Allen Harmon, and Helen Lorene Bailey. Brother-in-law Dean Malone.
Peggy was born and raised in Sullivan Gardens and was a proud and faithful member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church since July 18, 1948. After their retirement, Peggy and Gene enjoyed their summer and winter retirement homes in Newland, NC and in Naples, FL; but Peggy’s heart and “true home” was always back in Sullivan Gardens at her house on her acre of the ancestral Bachman-Bailey farm. After Gene’s death, Peggy loved her independence and being back near family, friends, and her church until her health and injuries required a high level of care starting in late 2021.
Peggy was a graduate of Sullivan High School. She received her teaching degree from East Tennessee State College and her Master of Arts in Education from Union College. She taught in Sullivan Gardens for the Sullivan County School system for 33 years until her retirement in 1986. Until she passed, many Alumni of those schools, who were taught by “Miss Crawford”, would often tell her how much they loved her and how she helped positively change their lives. After her retirement, she enjoyed living on golf courses in Florida and in North Carolina. She worked as a Starter at Mountain Glen Golf Club for over 18 years where she would often see former students and old friends who would be there. Known as “the Hat Lady” due to her stylish hats at the starting tee every morning, she was recognized as “Best Starter Ever” by the Chapman Group upon her second retirement.
Survivors include her special nephews and caregivers, Jonathan C. Bailey, Michael T. Bailey and wife Teresa. Special nieces Paula Bailey Hinson and Kelli Malone. Her sister-in-law and best friend, Hazel Crawford Malone. Special cousins Mary Virginia Bailey Faulkner, Barbara Sue Bailey Trent, and Bill Bailey. A number of other nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins also survive. The Nurses, CNAs, Therapists, kitchen team, administrative staff, and everyone at NHC became her extended family. Thank you, team members, at NHC Kingsport for the loving care and patience that was given to Peggy over the past 5 years. Caris Healthcare Hospice was sincerely appreciated in Peggy’s last few months.
A funeral service for Mrs. Crawford will be conducted on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. from the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Rusty Taylor and Pastor Lisa Bryant officiating. A private burial will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of the Good Shepherd.
In lieu of flowers, Peggy’s request was that memorial contributions be made to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Family, friends, and former students will serve as pallbearers.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Crawford.
