Peggy Murrell (Barts) Avery

Peggy Murrell (Barts) Avery

September 16, 1944 ~ August 1, 2022 (age 77)

Peggy Murrell (Barts) Avery, a most precious gem, attained her life fulfillment in Jesus Christ as she was called to her everlasting home in the Kingdom of Heaven on August 1, 2022, at the age of 77.

Born to the late Romie Lee Barts and Isabell Matthis Barts on September 16, 1944, in the valued agricultural community of Sampson County, Peggy was the youngest of seven children, four girls and three boys. There was something special about that number seven. She learned very early on the importance of hard work and the great worth of family with a tremendous motherly backbone at the heart of hers. Peggy loved all of her siblings dearly and held fond memories with each of them; with her and Romie Crumpler “R.C.” only varying in age by three years, the two became buds in adolescent years, and Peggy could always share a good memory had between them, usually involving just an ounce of mischief. In later years, as strong single women and Peggy’s older sisters, Elizabeth, Edna, and Shirley Mae were able to offer up life wisdom, and older brothers Harold and Bobby were sure to keep things interesting. As the last sibling to be called home, also preceded in death by her parents, Peggy loved keeping those who went before her alive through the art of storytelling.

Although she did not officially embark on her cosmetology career path until 1978, Peggy recognized her passion for “doing hair” much sooner. While her efforts were true to the family farm, even as a young girl, Peggy had a zeal for fixing hair. Peggy spoke about going to visit a nearby neighbor frequently as a child and combing her hair in exchange for half a stick of Juicy Fruit Gum. Her endeared friend Eunice also spoke about the two of them getting ready for their high school prom together and Peggy of course asking if she could fix her hair. Those were the good old days.

Before pursuing cosmetology at Sampson Community College, after marrying Ernest D. Avery, Jr. in March of 1962, Peggy served others by caring for their children in addition to being a homemaker for her own growing family. With her kind nature, bright loving spirit, and dedicated work ethic, she quickly established long-lasting relationships with nearly everyone she came in contact. Amidst upbringing her three children, Phyllis Ann, Dwight, and Michelle, Peggy worked at Hamilton Beach and went to school, diligently determined to succeed. After achieving her cosmetology degree in 1980, she built her clientele from the ground up, quite often inviting ladies in the community, whom she knew, into her own home to do their hair. Peggy furthered her cosmetology foundation at Hair Plus where she gained dear friendships in Nettie Rae, Debbie, and her cherished clients.

When she migrated to Bill’s Beauty Shop, the dear friendships only multiplied; as an esteemed beautician, there was rarely a person that Peggy encountered whom she did not know. She enjoyed working alongside Rose Marie when she went to work at Bill’s, and oh how great were the stories told and the laughs shared within those walls, ignited by those two. If you called “The Shop,” as it was often referred, and Peggy answered, she would usually say “I’m doing hair, baby” to those who inquired about what she was up to. Peggy had a heart of gold, and she extended kindness to all, touching so many hearts and lives throughout her career and life span, though she was not afraid to let you know what was on her mind and was certainly a giver of the truth. 

Peggy was a longtime, active member of Bethany Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church and very much considered a devoted child of the Lord on High. She walked by faith and not by sight and held God’s steadfast love ever close to her as she went through life, always knowing who held tomorrow. Her granddaughter Sarah has vivid recollections of her on Sunday morning at Bethany, set up in the back pew on the righthand side of the church, with hands raised in praise and worship. After church, you were sure to see Peggy and Lucille striking up a conversation.

There were countless Sunday afternoons spent with dear family at Peggy’s house, not to mention, every Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, too; there was always an abundance of good, Southern food at the hand of her cooking for most gatherings, and if she needed a break from the kitchen, the Cracker Barrell was never too far away. She was always so overjoyed to have a full house with everyone gathered and spending time with one another in her home; brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, close family friends, and in later years, her great grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she never missed an opportunity to iterate “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” When she was not spending time with family or doing hair, she enjoyed adventuring on trips with Betty and the rest of the Red Hat Society gals with whom she held treasured friendships.

Peggy was the epitome of optimism, despite trials and tribulations throughout her life; her favorite response if she was asked by one of her grandchildren about her day was, “Every day is a good day for Meme.” She truly radiated positivity, and there was sure to be good cheer if you were in her presence. She was such a ray of sunshine in addition to being an ever giving mother to her children; she loved her fearless Phyllis Ann, the oldest of the three, Dwight, and her baby girl Michelle like no other. Some of their greatest gifts to her were of course her six grandchildren. In the final years of her earthly life, her daughter Michelle served as her valiant caregiver with the support of Peggy’s beloved granddaughters and nieces along with their families. A myriad of memories were made during that time of which will be forever adored and remembered. 

To honor the wonderful life of Peggy Murrell and celebrate her homegoing, the family would like to invite those near and dear to her heart to attend a service at Bethany PFWB Church on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon with Reverend Charles Ray Jernigan officiating. Fellowship with family and friends will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A private interment will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022. In lieu of flowers, to honor Peggy’s memory and keep her love for doing hair alive, contributions can be made to the Peggy B. Avery Cosmetology Scholarship Fund at Sampson Community College.

In addition to her parents and six siblings, Peggy is preceded in death by her dear oldest daughter, sweet Phyllis Ann (Avery) Lane. 

Surviving loved ones with whom she leaves behind a beautiful legacy include: her husband of sixty years, Ernest Douglas Avery, Jr.; two children, Ernest Dwight Avery (Robyn) of Roseboro, NC, Ernestine Michelle (Avery) Murphy (Dennis) of Clinton, NC; a son-in-law, Jackie Ambrose Lane; six grandchildren, Hillary Jeanne (Avery) Loflin (Landon) of Zebulon, NC, Laura Elizabeth (Lane) Wood (Gilliam) of Raleigh, NC, Sarah Abigail Murphy of Wilmington, NC, Isabell Catherine (Murphy) Kelley (Austin) of Lillington, NC, Jackson Dwight Avery of Roseboro, NC, and Dorothy Victoria Lane of Clinton, NC; four great grandchildren, Avery Cotton Loflin, Declan James Kelley, Sawyer David Loflin, and Isaac Daniel Kelley; a host of special nieces and nephews, including Kimia Davis (James Earl) of Roseboro, NC and Russell Barron (Maria) of Coats, NC; many great nieces and great nephews, including Nickolas Davis of Clinton, NC and Russell Barron, Jr. of Coats, NC; two treasured great, great nieces, Candace and Kaylee; and a great many dear, close friends, all of whom she loved.  

To know Peggy was to love her, and she will be greatly missed.

Proverbs 31: 10 – 31

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