Peggy Bryant Obituary

Peggy Jean Bryant, nee Smith, 64, Bourbon, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, March 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

Peggy was born Dec. 8, 1959, in Rolla, to James Smith and wife Jean, nee Methena. She grew up in Sullivan, where she attended school. Peggy's work ethic was evident from an early age, as she began working for Meramec Industries, Fashion Shoe, and Bobber Cafe.

It was in June of 1980 that Peggy met the love of her life, Leroy Bryant, and their romance blossomed from a playful game of footsies. They were united in marriage at Faith Assembly on Oct. 18, 1980, and together they were blessed with three children, Billy, Kristina, and Amanda. The family made their home in Bourbon, where Peggy embarked on a fulfilling 30-year career with Aerofil Technology in Sullivan. Her dedication propelled her from the production line to an analyst and product specialist. While working full time, Peggy went back to school to further her education. She studied a variety of subjects, including photography and sign language, and had the unique joy of sharing some classes with her daughter, Krissy.

Peggy's love for music was a cornerstone of her life. In their early years, she and Leroy traveled with bands, and in 1986, they accepted Christ as their personal Savior, which transformed their love of music into a ministry. They shared the gospel through spiritual songs in many churches, touching countless lives with their faith and melodies. Peggy and Leroy's devotion to their ministry was unwavering, serving in various roles such as children's ministry directors, Sunday school teachers, and eventually pastoring the Oak Hill Freewill Baptist Church of Union since 2001.

Peggy's faith was her guiding light, never faltering, even in the face of life's many challenges. She was an avid shopper, particularly at her favorite store, Cracker Barrel. Peggy had a keen eye for photography and a love for scrapbooking and crafting. She loved flower gardening, often coaxing Leroy into creating new flower beds for her time after time.

Together, Peggy and Leroy enjoyed traveling, especially to the Biltmore Estate. Family gatherings were the highlight of her life. She always cherished the time spent with her beloved grandchildren and their tradition of Christmas breakfast. She will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy Bryant, Bourbon; three children, Billy Bryant and wife Cassie, Sullivan, Kristina Britton, Union, Amanda Webb and husband SSG Shannon Michael Webb, Fort Hood, Texas; bonus daughter, Shaquita Cooke and husband Stefan, St. Louis; 11 grandchildren, RJ, Austin, Kallie, Alex, Brendinn, Jersey, Triston, Julia, Kade, Suzette, and Toby; three great-grandchildren, Kolsyn, Jacqueline, and Taylor; her mother, Jean Smith, Stanton; two sisters, Kellie Pounds and husband Alan, Sullivan, Tammy Shipman and husband Mark, St. James; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Smith; her maternal and paternal grandparents; aunts; uncles; cousins; and her beloved childhood pup, Chief.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Oak Hill Freewill Baptist Church, Union, with a funeral service immediately following at the church with Pastors Duke West and Jay Tilson officiating

Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery, Edgar Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Breast Cancer Society or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friends may send their online condolences to Peggy's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care and direction of Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Sullivan.