Peggy Williamson Jeanes of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away at her home on December 3, 2023. She was born in Lawrence County, Mississippi, on February 7, 1942, to Hollis P.. and Helen (Newsom) Williamson.
Peggy studied at public schools in Monticello, Mississippi, where in her senior year she was elected student body president (the first female to be so elected) and was named Miss Monticello High. After graduation, she studied at George Washington University in Washington D.C. while she also worked at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Most of her long professional career was in editing and writing at companies which included Godwin Advertising Agency in Jackson, Mississippi; Harper & Row Publishers (now Harper-Collins) in New York City where she reached the position of managing editor of the Trade Division; Entergy Corporation, in both Jackson and New Orleans, Louisiana, where she edited and wrote internal publications until her early retirement in 1999. In 1999 she became the founding editor of the online publication, Mississippi History Now, for the Mississippi Historical Society. She retired as its editor emerita in 2013 at age 71.
Her 15-year marriage to William T. Jeanes ended in divorce in 1983. She is survived by half-brother Hollis Price Williamson Jr., and nieces and nephews. Her parents and three sisters predeceased her, Virginia Williamson Graham, Linda Williamson Russell Wallace, and Kathleen Williamson Carney Petty. In retirement she became an even more avid reader. She also enjoyed gardening, entertaining her many friends, and playing bridge, after having given up many years of volunteerism. Most of her personal attention went to her two beloved cats, Caleigh and Caleigh’s predecessor Lady Grey.
A memorial service will be held at some future date. Meanwhile, she asked that her many dear friends “raise a glass in toast” on her birthday, February 7, and know how much she treasured them.
If one wishes, memorials may be made to the cattery at CARA (Community Animal Rescue and Adoptions) at 960 N. Flag Chapel Rd., Jackson MS 39209, or to a no-kill animal shelter of your choice.
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