It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Peggy Jean Huffman on July 17, 2025, at her home, after 89 wonderful years. Though 89 years is a long time, it still doesn’t feel long enough. Peggy was a bright light in her family and community, loved by many, and truly beautiful inside and out.
Peggy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was an active and devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church. The church and its congregation were like family to her, and she cherished them deeply. She was also an exceptional cook, and family dinners were always a highlight. Peggy enjoyed traveling with friends on bus trips for weekend getaways and loved attending luncheons with her high school and church friends. She was an active member of the Garden Club and United Methodist Women, and she dedicated many years to serving in various capacities for the United Methodist Conference, which she truly loved. Professionally, Peggy served as the Craig County Deputy Clerk of Court and worked at Virginia Tech until her retirement.
Peggy is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Robert Tripp; her granddaughter and husband, Ashlei and Justin Barham; and her great-grandchildren, Oscar and Gunner Barham, and Kenadee Tripp and her mother, Heather Stover. She is also survived by her nephews, Matt Dowdy and his wife Kim and their daughter Lena, and Joe Dowdy, as well as a dear family friend Myra Williams, special cousin Frankie Rash and many other amazing friends.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William O. “Chuck” Huffman; her parents, Ned H. and Pauline K. Dowdy; her sister and husband, Jane and Tom Hurd; her brother, Hale Dowdy, and his son, Rusty; her grandson, William Robert “WR” Tripp; and her father and mother-in-law, Earl “Speedy” and Ruth Huffman.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Peggy’s caregivers: Bobbie, Hannah, Miriam, and Teresa. They provided incredible care and were so good to her. We also deeply appreciate the wonderful care provided by Gentle Shepherd Hospice, especially Tracy, Donna, and Jennifer. We cannot thank everyone enough; their support and love were invaluable to us, and Peggy was incredibly grateful for their care.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Craig County, with Rev. San Kang and Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial followed in Ross Cemetery, Craig County. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church or Simmonsville Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are being handled by McCoy Funeral Home.
