Peggy Ferguson Phillips, known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as Pippi, passed away unexpectedly at St. Dominic’s Hospital on Thursday, December 5, 2024. She lived a full and vibrant life highlighted by her acts of selflessness, love & grace which stemmed from her profound Christian faith. She is survived by her daughters Patti Sitek (Rick) and Emily Salmon (Jerry); three grandsons, Jason Sitek (Callie), Kevin Sitek (KellyAnn), Bryant Salmon (Bailey) and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Gene Phillips her husband of 70 years, her parents Allene & Laverne Ferguson, her son Perry Phillips, Jr., and grandson Farley Salmon IV.
Peggy was born in Clarksdale, MS on October 20, 1933. She graduated from Senatobia High School where she was a cheerleader, majorette, a member of the basketball team and Senatobia’s Miss Hospitality. She attended Belhaven College and Ole Miss where she became a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.
Peggy and Gene were married in Senatobia in 1953 and moved to Jackson in 1959 where they became active members of Wesley United Methodist Church. She stayed at home to care for their three children until the late 1960s when she went to work for the Mississippi Senate as an administrative assistant for 12 years. She then became office manager at Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association until she retired. After her first retirement she went back to work as receptionist/Membership Secretary at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church and had recently submitted her letter of resignation on Tuesday December 3, 2024.
During her years in Jackson, she was a member of the Demitasse Luncheon Club, numerous bridge clubs and enjoyed attending Ole Miss sporting events and those of her children and grandchildren. However, her first love outside of her family and friends was her church, St. Matthew’s UMC, where she found a place to be her authentic self in service of others to the glory of God. At St. Matthew’s, she served on a multitude of committees and held many leadership roles, notably the Board of Trustees, the Building Commission, Worship Committee, Confirmation mentors, and Greeter Coordinator. Her passion for missions gave her the most joy, and lead her on more than 20 mission trips to Mexico and Honduras well into her 80s. In Peggy’s spare time she served multiple times on the staff of Cursillo, once again assuming many leadership roles.
Peggy’s many talents included sewing for her daughters and grandsons, needlework, bargain shopping with friends, making homemade peach ice cream and playing bridge. She jumped at the chance to travel to be with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to make new friends, young and old, to be helpful, or to reunite with her friends, making each one feel as special as the next.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with the funeral at 2:00 pm both held at St. Matthew’s UMC, 7427 Old Canton Road, Madison, MS 39110. Graveside service will be held Friday, December 13 at 11:00 am at Friendship Cemetery in Como, MS. In lieu of flowers or peace lilies, the family requests memorials to be made to St. Matthew’s UMC Foreign Missions Fund.
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