Peggy Harris Ames

Peggy Harris Ames was born in November of 1930 to Henry and Myrtle Harris in Emporia, Virginia. She graduated from Greensville High School in 1948 where she was Valedictorian of her class and captain on the basketball team. With encouragement of many high school teachers she determined to attend then Longwood College where she majored in education and graduated as the President of her class in 1952. The support of her teachers had a profound impact on her life. She later received her Master of Education from George Washington University.

Peggy moved to Norfolk, VA to teach, where she met Garland C. Ames. They were married at her family home in Emporia and went on to raise 3 children in Norfolk and later Virginia Beach. Peggy loved teaching at Sherwood Forest Elementary School in Norfolk and later at Windsor Woods Elementary in Virginia Beach. The family rejoiced in annual family reunions eating Raymond’s BBQ and baked beans with the Harris clan, and enjoying the music and fellowship in Mathews County with the Smith family. Peggy and Garland enjoyed Friday night bridge parties with the Owens, Hines, and Cochrane families and many others over the years. While in Norfolk, the family attended Norview United Methodist Church, and later, Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach where Peggy was active in the Susanna Wesley Circle and treasured her circle members.

Peggy enjoyed golf and served as president of several different ladies golf leagues where she made lasting friendships. She enjoyed golf, wine, and conversation with her foursome who on one occasion chased away a purse snatcher through the course with their golf clubs raised. Her friends joked that when Peggy claimed she scored a birdie, it was not clear if that was the score or if a Canada Goose was injured on the green! Peggy was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, honorary teaching sorority and stayed active throughout her retired life.

Whether teaching students, knitting with friends for Kings Daughters Children’s Hospital, delivering meals-on-wheels, creating baskets for newborns with her church circle, or playing with grandchildren, she gave of herself with all of her heart, always present in the moment and capitalizing on the togetherness of whoever and whatever she may be doing.

Peggy spent the last years of her life in Fredericksburg to be closer to family, and allowing for numerous family gatherings and outings with granddaughters, and her great-grandson. In her final months of life, Peggy was able to welcome and hold her first great granddaughter in her loving arms.

She is survived by her daughters Mary Ames; Erma Baker (Brian); and son, David Ames; brother, Al Harris (Sherry); sister, Eloise Marable (Bill); devoted sister-in-law, Nancy Harris; two grandchildren, Libby Allwine (Kyle) and Mary Wallace Nilsen (Michael); two great grandchildren, Kyle II and Leigh Margaret. Peggy is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Myrtle Harris, and siblings: Erma Lee Gaskins, Mary Lou Wilkens, Jeanette Wicker, Raymond Harris, and her husband of 49 years, Garland C. Ames. A large extended family of nieces, nephews, and their families are also part of her legacy. Peggy’s family is eternally grateful for the care and kindness shared by friends at Spring Arbor Senior Community and Affinity Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23505 on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. A small reception to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Town Center, Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peggy’s name to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be sent at http://www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com