Peggy Matthews

Peggy Fox Matthews, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at her home in Gainesville, Virginia. She was born on May 29, 1931 in Washington, DC to James Hansford Fox and Sadie Keller Fox. Peggy grew up in Arlington, Virginia with her three older siblings Jim, Anne and Nancy. She was a 1949 graduate of Washington Lee High School and immediately went to work for the Federal Communication Commission in Washington, DC. On May 27, 1955, Peggy married James Curtis Matthews at Clarendon Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. Three years later, on September 22, 1958, Peggy gave birth to their first child, a son, Dale Eric and nine and half years later on February 8, 1968, their daughter Donna Elaine was born. Peggy and Jim divorced in 1973 at which time, Peggy returned to work for the Federal Government until she retired in 1993 as a Budget Officer for the National Institutes of Health. Peggy loved life, even though it was not always easy for her. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early 50s, she never let its physical restrictions on her body, impact her positive outlook on life. She took great joy in the births of her 3 grandchildren Bailey, Kate and Jake and cared for all 3 of them when they were infants. In her later years, the MS eventually crippled Peggy, confining her to a wheelchair. But Peggy found joy in life’s simple pleasures, touching base with family and friends over the phone and spending time with her two children and grandchildren. Peggy loved God and was a fierce prayer warrior and inspired many people with her personal inner strength, devotion to God and her love for her family and life. Peggy was preceded in death by her son, Dale Matthews and her two sisters, Anne Bisset and Nancy Gilmore. She is survived by her daughter Donna Anderson, her son in law Michael Anderson and her grandchildren Bailey, Kate and Jake. She is also survived by her brother Rev. James H. Fox as well as many nieces and nephews. Family, friends and others touched by Peggy’s life are invited to Murphy’s Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia on Friday, November 16, 2018 where the viewing and funeral service will be held at 10:00 am and 11:00 am respectively. Interment will be at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia immediately following the funeral service. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be sent to the National MS Society.