Mrs. Peggy J. Reese-Evans, 93, of Columbus, GA passed Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, December 21, 2024 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Green Acres Cemetery, 1485 Schatulga Rd, Columbus, GA 31907 Viewing is Friday, December 20, 2024 from 1 - 5 p.m. EST.

Peggy Joyce Reese-Evans departed her earthly home on December 15, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on December 4, 1931, she was the eldest of 15 children born to Mozart Sr. and Nora Street Reese. Peggy's remarkable life was defined by her deep faith, dedication to family, passion for education, and commitment to service.

A proud native of Columbus, Georgia, Peggy attended Muscogee County public schools and graduated from Spencer High School in 1948. She pursued higher education at Spelman College before transferring to Clark College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She later achieved a Master's Degree from Tuskegee Institute.

Peggy began her teaching career at Carver High School in Hamilton, Georgia, before joining Kendrick High School in Columbus as a Social Studies teacher. She later transitioned into the role of Guidance Counselor at Kendrick High, where her commitment to empowering young minds remained until her retirement.

Peggy was a devout Christian and a lifelong Presbyterian. Baptized at Beth Salem Presbyterian Church, she went on to serve as an Elder and Clerk of Session at her home church. After marrying the love of her life, Samuel Evans, she moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and became an active member of Haymount Presbyterian Church. There, she also served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, and Chair of the Evangelism Committee, while contributing to various other ministries.

Peggy was an active and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, initiated into Gamma Tau Omega Chapter in Columbus, GA, in 1972. She continued her service in the Sorority at the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter in Fayetteville, NC, and was recognized as a Life Member and Golden Soror. She was also a dedicated member of the NAACP and the Clark University Alumni Association.

As the eldest of her siblings, Peggy embraced a nurturing role within her family, often serving as a surrogate parent following the loss of their parents. She was a devoted sister, aunt, and mentor, deeply cherishing her relationships with her eight surviving siblings and her 37 nieces and nephews. Her encouragement and support of young people, especially in pursuing education, were among her greatest joys.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Evans, her parents, and six of her siblings. She is survived by her siblings: Gordon Reese (Efifa) of San Francisco, CA; Allen Reese of Los Angeles, CA; Faye Reese-Clark of Erial, NJ; Thurston Reese (Jacqueline) of Los Angeles, CA; Vinson Reese (Belinda) of Columbus, GA; Vivian Reese-Whitfield of Atlanta, GA; Walter Reese (JoAnn) of St. Robert, MO; and Roger Reese of Columbus, GA.

The family is most grateful to our nieces Vicki Abron-Phillips, who served as our own Florence Nightingale, along with her daughter June Horne, in making sure that Peggy had the care that she needed during her illness.

Peggy's life was truly a benediction, touching countless lives through her faith, family, and community service. She will be remembered for her grace, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.