Margaret Marsh Walker

Margaret Marsh Walker, 83, of Cumming, Georgia passed on to her heavenly home on November 11th, 2023 after a brave, four year battle with ovarian cancer.

Peggy was born in an upstairs bedroom of her grandparents home beside the Cape Fear River in Grays Creek North Carolina on May 16th, 1940.  The home still stands and has been beautifully restored and is currently run as a bed and breakfast by one of Peggy’s cousins.  Growing up, Peggy attended church just across the street at Cape Fear Baptist church, built by her forefathers, established in 1756.   Peggy’s roots run deep in North Carolina and she was the first daughter born to her father, Marcus Allen Marsh and her mother, Johnnie David Fisher.   Brothers V.B. and Absalom Marsh have passed.  She is survived by her sister Susan Barber and brother David Marsh.

Peggy grew up on her father’s dairy farm, where her parents passed on a wonderful work ethic. She was adored by her grandparents, aunts, uncles and other extended family.  Peggy attended Grays Creek High School where she played basketball as her relatives would attend the games and cheer her on.  She had a wonderful left-handed hook shot and was an all-county player, at 5’4” tall.  At her 50th high school reunion, she was asked to tell the story of her state championship game and relive her glory days.  She still has fans!  After graduation, Peggy followed her favorite Aunt Sally into the field of nursing, and attended Highsmith Hospital School of Nursing.

Peggy enjoyed many titles throughout her life… including Christian, daughter, sister, friend, wife, and nurse.  Her favorite titles would be mother, grandmother, and more recently, great-grandmother.

Peggy was married to Air Force pilot, B. Byron (Butch) Powelson, and welcomed children Jane, Scott, and John while they were stationed at Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska.  Tragically, Peggy was left a widow with 3 very young children when Butch was killed in a plane crash in 1965.  Butch was the love of Peggy’s life.  She would go on to marry again, and even welcomed another daughter, Amy… but Butch remains Peggy’s most important love.  They are now reunited!

Peggy was a wonderful mother who loved and raised her children through some difficult times.  Her world was completely upgraded when she graduated from the title of Mom to Grandma.  On the day Jane gave birth to her first child, Peggy ran up and down the halls of the hospital, and at the news of her first grandson’s arrival, acted like she was the only Grandma in the place!  She wore all the buttons and sweatshirts and made the biggest fuss over her tiny, new, first love.  She was there for all of the grandchildren’s births.  Alexander Byron, Kalin, Jordan, Marshal, Madison, Cameron, Timothy, Tyler, Mark, Landon, Ryan, Rachel, Ann Margaret, Brady, Ally Beth, Erin, Easton, and Quinn.  Peggy spent most of her time loving and helping to raise her grandkids.  She had a unique and wonderful bond with each of them, and they knew she loved them “To the moon and back”, which she frequently wrote on their Birthday cards.  She attended ball games, piano recitals, church talks, graduations, weddings, everything.  The grandkids kept her busy, and so very happy. Peggy’s grandkids have also promoted her to the title of Great grandma.  There are currently 12 “Greats”.  And they are just getting started!

Peggy also had a variety of other interests.  She was an avid Tennis player after moving to Atlanta in the 1970’s.  Tuesday and Thursdays, she could be found on the courts all over Atlanta as she played for her home teams at WCT and later Windermere.  She loved the game and won several ALTA plates and USTA Championships, but the best part of tennis addiction was the friends she made there.  She loved her tennis friends, and they loved her back fiercely.  Peggy mentioned that throughout her life,  tennis was her therapy, and her teammates were her therapists!  Peggy also loved to travel.  She enjoyed several cruises and traveled throughout her years to all 7 continents. She also loved summer beach vacations with her favorite grandchildren companions.  Additionally, Peggy loved to golf and was frequently found on a golf cart with her sons and grandkids, then teeing up and teaching them to master the game.  Peggy was  a reader, and a card shark!  She enjoyed playing bridge with neighbors and friends and Spades, Hearts, and Up and Back with her grandkids.  She loved to “shoot the moon” and would cause quite a ruckus when the grandchildren realized they got beat by their grandma!

Peggy’s list of favorite things includes the color blue, Neil Diamond, Roger Whittaker, bubble baths in her Jacuzzi, Biscuit Barn, Pepsi, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Mounds candy bars.  She had a knack for cooking and enjoyed hosting holiday dinners with her family, each ending with an eclair cake. 

Peggy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She followed her kids example, and was baptized by her son Scott in 1999.  She was active in Relief Society and served as a Visiting Teacher and Ministering Sister throughout her years.  Peggy also served two full time missions for the church.  The first being a mission to Wyoming and Nebraska where she served at a church history site.  She dressed in pioneer clothing and helped visitors understand the plight of Mormon Pioneers, and loved it!  Peggy also enjoyed her second mission.  She was able to use her nursing skills right here in the Atlanta North Mission serving under President Marsh as mental health nurse.  Mom loved serving the Elders and Sisters and was convinced she was a distant cousin to President Marsh.  Peggy grew in the Gospel and developed a deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ.  She attended BYU Education Week for multiple years and loved learning.  She was a devout follower and missionary and wanted to share the love of the Lord with all her friends and family.  Peggy was a great example of Christ-like love. 

Services to honor Peggy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 20th, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 510 Brannon Rd.; Cumming, GA 30041. The family will accept visitors in Relief Society Room from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

Cards and Flowers may be sent to Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave; Cumming, GA.