Peggy S Smith

Peggy Speir Smith Bingham, 86, of North Palm Beach, Florida, passed away December 4, 2012, at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. She was born in Savannah, GA, to S. E. and Wiley Speir. Part of a strong family of female educators, Peggy graduated from high school at age 14, attended Limestone College, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. She married Navy Ensign Baynard R. Smith during WWII and taught science and home economics while raising five children. Always adventurous, she traveled the world with her husband and earned her private pilot's license. After moving to Florida in 1967, she obtained her realtor's license and worked for firms including Finch Realty and Bingham Realty.

Anyone who knew Peggy knew she was passionate about boating, fishing, and family. Her culinary skills were legendary. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always enjoyed visiting, especially knowing she would fix their favorite dishes. From boiled custard to boiled shrimp, "MeMa" served love on a plate, and no one ever left hungry. You could call on her any time for wise and compassionate counsel, a bag of cookies, or even a twenty-dollar bill.

After Baynard’s death in 1983, Peggy married her dear friend George Bingham in 1997, and her adventures continued. Whether scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico, out on their much-loved boat, the SandyBird, or watching a football game, Peggy and George made many happy memories together.

Peggy is survived by her loving husband, Goundry W. “George” Bingham; four children—David B. (Joyce) Smith, Speir Alan (Nancy S.) Smith, Margaret A. (Robert M.) Hogan, and Carolyn J. (Spencer R.) Helm; eight grandchildren—David Smith, Sarah Cartee, James Hogan, Tyler Hogan, Michelle Hoyle, Savannah Smith, Spencer Helm, and Wiley Helm; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews including Speir and Gail Flanders, George and Cecile Flanders, Ramon and Nordy Meguir, Bill Brogden, Gene and Carole Brogden, and Kay Speir.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Baynard Smith; one daughter, Susan Smith; and her siblings Gwendolyn Flanders, Elizabeth Brogden, and William Speir.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at the Howard-Price Funeral Home in North Palm Beach, Florida. Following the service, family and friends are invited to celebrate her life with food and fellowship at the Bingham / Smith residence.