Peggy Briggs

Peggy McCracken Briggs, 92, passed away on December 15, 2022. A native of Haywood County, she was born at the McCracken home on October 15, 1930 to Myrtle Medford and Albert J. McCracken. She was one of nine children.

Peggy was a graduate of Clyde Township High School Class of 1949. She completed her undergraduate work at Brevard College and Western Carolina University and received her master’s degree from Appalachian State University. Peggy loved children, education, and music. She enjoyed playing the piano, organ, and autoharp and dedicated much of her life to investing in the lives of hundreds of children. A dedicated elementary school teacher, Peggy also led children’s church choirs and taught piano lessons.

Peggy spent her life living at the McCracken homeplace. She was born and married in the home, raised her family there and passed away in her home surrounded by family and caregivers. Peggy’s home was always open to all, and her kind soul brought warmth into any space. She was a dedicated mother and wife and leaves a legacy of kindness and hospitality to her family. Peggy was married to Bruce Briggs for over 50 years, and they were a team whose marriage served their children, grandchildren, extended family and community well.

Peggy was a member of Longs Chapel and enjoyed being a part of the Susannah Wesley Circle. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 50 years and a part of the Haywood County Community Chorus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Briggs; her brothers, Ernest McCracken, Carroll McCracken, William McCracken, David McCracken and Albert McCracken, Jr.; her sisters, Mabel McCracken Bryson and Evelyn McCracken Sutton.

She is survived by her son, Brian Briggs and daughter, Susan Briggs Parris and husband, Stan; her beloved grandsons, Bradley Briggs, Briggs Parris and Glenn Parris. Additional survivors are her sister, Mary Frances McCracken Gray, sister-in-law Polly McCracken and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Peggy Briggs will be held at 1pm at Long’s Chapel on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 with visitation following. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Mary Arrington of Care Angels and the many special caregivers who provided care for the past 10 years.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Young Life of Catawba Valley, PO Box 9251, Hickory, North Carolina 28603 where her grandson faithfully serves. https://giving.younglife.org/bradleybriggs.

The care of Mrs. Briggs has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.