Obituaries

Margaret Ann Hudgins-Pierce

Margaret Ann Hudgins-Pierce, age 86, of Newport News, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25. Known as Peggy to most, she was born in Bristol, PA, to Albert and Thelma Feehly of Tullytown, PA. As the daughter of a self-employed plumber, she learned the benefit of hard work and persistence in accomplishing tasks and goals. Early on, as an adult, she was tasked with the care and transport of her two small children (aged 2 and 6 months) in 1959 from home to Berlin, Germany, alone to meet her then-military husband, where she saw firsthand the construction of the infamous Berlin Wall. After leaving Berlin, she and her family settled in Tennessee, where she first worked as an assembly person at a General Electric manufacturing plant.

After a period of self-teaching, she was moved to a secretarial position and found her niche in the workforce. She became the Executive Secretary for the Athletic Director at Middle Tennessee State University. After moving to the Panama Canal Zone, she worked as the Port Captain’s Executive Assistant and later in the Operations Safety office, overseeing and participating in industrial accident investigations and inspections. She moved to Newport News, VA, in 1979 and retired then. She spent her retirement years enjoying being a homemaker, grandma to four, and great-grandmother (GiGi) to five. Peggy was a member of the Woman’s Club of Newport News, where she served on many committees, held many offices, and was a 3-time Past President. She was very dedicated to her family and to community service.

Through marriage, she was affiliated with Mathews, VA. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, John R. Pierce of Susan, VA. She is also survived by her son Raymond C. Lewis (Lisa) of Philadelphia, PA, her daughter Sandra J. Rickmond (Wayne) of Windsor, VA, her grandchildren Erik, Josh, Mary, Mary Margaret (Donnie), and her great-grandchildren Josh, JJ, Natalie, Wyatt, and Olivia.

Visitation will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home on Monday, May 6th, from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral service will begin at noon, and the body will be buried in Peninsula Memorial Park.

5 Comments

  1. Darlene Lewis

    Sandi and Ray, our family sends our condolences and prayers during this difficult time. I am so sorry for the loss of your Momma and I know your hearts are broken. Peggy has always been the sweetest lady and will forever be my Aunt Peggy! I wish we could be there with you during this time, but please know you are in our hearts and thoughts!! We love you all!

  2. Patti Joyce

    I’m not sure where to begin… 34 years ago I was fortunate enough to meet you, become your hairdresser, your friend, one of your biggest admirers. We spent time together every week, you’ll never know the impact you had on my life. You were one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met. I will cherish our friendship for the rest of my life!
    To Ray, Sandy and John Robert, my sincerest condolences for this huge loss, thanks for sharing her with me, you’re in my thoughts and prayers as we all navigate this loss.

  3. Lisa Lewis

    Margaret (Peggy) Pierce was the classiest woman I’ve ever met. With her gentle, understated ways, she personified what I imagine a woman from Southern Living would act like, would look like. Strong, independent with a wonderful work ethic, she set an example for her children, Ray and Sandi, that both of them followed with pride. She gifted her granddaughter, Mary Margaret, with the love of baking and decorating beautiful cakes. She showed her children and grandchildren how to live a fulfilled life and how to interact in their communities. Peggy, with her quiet humility and grace, showed me how a true lady conducts herself and I will always be grateful for the experience of knowing her. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her extended family and friends, but, most of all, John Robert, Raymond, Sandi, Mary Margaret and Wyatt, who knew her the best. Please know that Peggy will always be with you.

  4. Kate Srinivasan and family

    My condolences and prayers for the family. I did not know Peggy well, but recall a time when we were all together for a family vacation. She was a lovely person to have spent time with and that is a very beautiful tribute and photo to honor her with.

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