Peggy Louise Stinson Shewmake, who was born on March 21, 1941, has passed away at the age of 82 on May 25, 2023. The funeral service for Mrs. Shewmake will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023 beginning at 1:30pm at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Peggy was raised in a devout Christian home by Elvie E. and Maudie Mae Elmore Stinson. In her adult life, Peggy attended Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Shreveport, Louisiana, where her grandparents were well-regarded ministers. Throughout the years, Peggy actively participated in numerous areas of ministry such as choir member, children's ministry, and leader of the Daisies, a part of the church based discipleship program for girls ranging from kindergarten through 17. Peggy also served as a women's ministry leader for this area. Peggy was famously known within the Ladies Ministries group for her exceptional baking skills, as well as her contribution to the organization's Christmas bazaar and spring fundraising activities.
The Lady's Prayer Group held great significance in her life as she spent Thursday mornings with fellow women in their prayer room. One cherished memory of this group was the annual Spring and Christmas Bazaar where they would collaborate in making peanut brittle. It was a team effort with six or seven women contributing to the process, while Peggy specifically stirred the brittle. However, on one occasion, Peggy accidentally burned her wrist while stirring. Although this resulted in a scar, it served as a constant reminder of the wonderful experiences, memories, and friendships she built over the years. Peggy also assisted in visiting the church Shut-Ins and had a prayer line dedicated to accepting requests for prayer which she would then pass along to the respective individuals. She dedicated herself daily to Intercede for these ladies.
Peggy was an outstanding prayer warrior for Christ who touched many souls and lived a life dedicated to her faith. Her loved ones knew her as a devoted daughter, exceptional mother, loving wife, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, cherished sister, fun-loving cousin, and beloved aunt. Peggy was unwavering in her commitment to her family, often putting their needs before her own. Her sharp wit and humor were hallmarks of her character, though she may have occasionally unintentionally rubbed some the wrong way. She was known for speaking her mind, even on social media, where she often typed in all caps. Peggy made countless friendships throughout her life, and treasured each and every one of them.
Although Peggy had a straightforward manner and was not one to mince words, she possessed a kind heart and a wonderful sense of humor that made everyone around her feel loved. She had a remarkable ability to empathize with others and was always ready to extend a helping hand. Although it is difficult to bid her farewell, we find comfort in knowing that she was prepared to meet Jesus in Heaven. As Peggy used to say, 'Do not grieve for me when I pass away because I am in Heaven, rejoicing in the loving presence of my Heavenly Father.' We take solace in the fact that Peggy is now reunited with her beloved husband, Hervey Shewmake, as well as her parents, brother, Ray Stinson and his wife, Grace, brother, Fred Stinson, and sister, Mildred Hartsfield and her husband, Ambers.
Surviving Peggy are her loving family members. Her sons Jeffrey Shewmake and Carl Shewmake are accompanied by their wives Denise and Cyndi. Her daughter Tammie Shewmake is also here with her fiancé, Andy Reeves. Peggy was blessed with grandchildren Ryan Shewmake and his wife, Bailey, Cody and his fiancée, Sarah, Jacob, Joshua, Mackenzie, Aaron and his wife, Kenzie, and Brandon and his wife, Haley; as well as great-grandchildren Baylor, Braxton, Carson, Emarie, and Raya. Additionally, Peggy is survived by her sister Carolyn Sandifer and her husband Johnny; brother William Stinson and his wife Patricia; sister-in-law Ada Stinson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss her dearly.
Pallbearers honoring Peggy will be Ryan Shewmake, Joshua Shewmake, Cody Spivey, Jacob Shewmake, Andy Reeves, Chuck Schiller, and Jeffrey Harris.