Peggy Carolyn Whitehead

On January 11th, 1946, Carl and Doris Powell Coker became proud parents to their 4th daughter, Peggy Carolyn Coker. “Little Peggy” would make their home complete. Peggy was an adorable child; so loved by her family, relatives, and friends. As she grew older, we became friends, and I invited her to come to Mars Hill Baptist Church with me. After attending and becoming a faithful attendee, she gave her heart to Jesus at the age of 14. She made her public profession of faith under the ministry of Reverend Bill Nash, our pastor at the time. Her baptism followed. As she studied about Missions, her heart was touched, and she desired to do mission work when she grew older.

She was a 1964 Graduate of Oconee County High School. After graduation, she was employed with Southern Bell until her retirement. On June 25th, 1966, she married Charles David Whitehead, the love of her life. God blessed them with a son, Dr. Travis Whitehead, and a daughter, Tamela Whitehead Campbell.

Peggy loved her Lord Jesus, family, and friends. Her faith was strong! She loved children and desired to be a grandmother. God blessed her with 11 grandchildren: Charles David Kawika Whitehead, II; Maile Marie Whitehead, Mikala Kini Whitehead, Mark Paul Kekoa Whitehead, Maggie Kai Whitehead, Luke Anthony Kalani Whitehead, Bridgit Keikilani Whitehead, Peter Christopher Kanai Whitehead, and Bella Kanani Whitehead; Ivan Alan Campbell and Isaac Alan Campbell.

In their married life, Peggy and David resided in Madison County, GA, where they were members and served the Lord faithfully at Moon’s Grove Baptist Church. It was at Moons Grove Baptist that they had the opportunity to go on a Mission Trip with a group to New York. Following a mission trip to Jamaica, the fire in their hearts for Missions was ignited. God’s path led them to Mission work for 40+ years in Jamaica where their daughter, Tamela and her family assisted. For 25 years they also did Mission Work in Anchorage, AK working 15 years in a Girls’ Home and 10 years in the Boys’ Home.

In her hometown and county, Peggy was affiliated with The Lung, Heart, and Cancer Drive for several years. She was the top collector for the Lung association. Peggy and David were well known for their “Balloon Ministry”, sharing in schools, church events, birthday parties, reunions, etc. This was one of the tools used to share the gospel of Jesus.

Peggy excelled in being an excellent cook. She was well known for her delicious cakes and pies that she shared with others. Her “Apple Pie” and “Peach Delight” won her the top prizes for the Dairy Association in Madison County. She won 1st place for the District, 1st place for the County, and 2nd place for the State.

She was a true “Prayer Warrior” and totally believed in the power of prayer. As her friend for all these years, I knew what it was like to receive a call from Peggy, requesting a prayer for someone I didn’t even know. She was always praising God for some miracle that He had performed for her! I would also make a request for prayers and knew that she would be praying for me or whomever my request was for. Her faith was so deep and genuine. I have been blessed to have had her as a dear and faithful friend all these years.

Peggy is survived by her loyal husband, David Whitehead; her son, Dr. Travis Whitehead (and his wife Dr. Kathrine Whitehead); her daughter, Tamela Whitehead Campbell (and her husband Dr. Alan Campbell); her grandchildren C. David Whitehead, II, Maile, Mikala, Mark, Maggie, Luke, Peter, and Bella Whitehead, Ivan and Isaac Campbell; as well as her sisters Joyce Coker Hardigree and Alice Coker Combs (and her husband Billy Combs). She was preceded in her Heavenly Birth by her parents Carl and Doris Powell Coker; her granddaughter Bridgit Whitehead, and her sister, Faye Coker Kellar.

As the angels came to usher Peggy into the presence of Jesus, I know she smiled when she saw His Face as Jesus tenderly proclaimed, “Welcome Home My Child” and then she smiled a big, sweet smile, as she often had in life.

In Peggy’s faith and in her many close calls, she claimed many Bible Verses. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Peggy and her family wish to thank Family Hospice Care; Casey Haley, RN, Marci Golden, RN, Chrystal Edward’s LPN; and her caregivers: DeAsia Muckle and Pauline Haynes for their love, special care, and the dedication they have shown and given over these months of Peggy’s hardship. Each one has been so faithful. May God bless you all!

At Peggy’s request, I have been humbled and honored to write her obituary. My heart is broken for I have had to give up one of my dearest friends, but my heart is blessed because I know that I will see her again one day. We will all be together forever and will never be separated again!

With a true servant and missionary’s heart, Peggy would want all her relatives, friends, and acquaintances to know Jesus as your Savior before you must leave this world. When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the Victory!

Funeral services for Peggy were held on Monday, December 30, 2024.

-Written by Janice M. Wilson