Peggy Manning Oliver, age 93, of Hampton, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on June 9, 1932, in Newport News, VA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Delma Manning. Peggy lived a life grounded in faith, compassion, and devotion. On December 13, 1952, she married James Hoke Oliver, and together they shared 73 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and steadfast trust in God.
A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Peggy touched every person she met with her gentle spirit and open heart. Her greatest joy was her family. She poured her love into her two sons, Jay Oliver (and wife Melissa) and David Oliver; her grandchildren Justin Oliver, Brittany & Brandon Mueller, Ashley & Nick Granville, Megan & DJ Egnew, Zachary & Noelle Cook; and her great-grandchildren Sofia and Dakoda Granville and Liam Cook, as well as many other cherished relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hoke Oliver.
Peggy was a devoted servant of God and a lifelong member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, sharing her love for children through lessons and stories, as well as the bell choir, in office and accounting roles, on mission trips, and as an officer in United Methodist Women. She also treasured her special bond with “The Spice Girls,” her dear friends Phyllis Clark and Beverly Lilly. Her life was guided by prayer, worship, and a heart for helping others.
She enjoyed reading, mahjong, crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite shows. Peggy will always be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her delight in life’s simple joys, her joyful enthusiasm, and her unique blend of sweetness and spunk. From the moment you met her, she made you feel special. She lived each day as a shining example of Christ’s love.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, November 30th, at 2:00 PM at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ken Waclo officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a woman whose love and faith shaped generations.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her church community, the doctors and nurses at Riverside Hospital, Glenda Owens and Cathy Martz for their friendship, and the many others who touched her life with kindness and support.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she now rests in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of love, strength, and enduring faith will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
16 Comments
Such a beautiful picture of a beautiful lady. A “unique blend of sweetness and spunk” explains her perfectly. I am thankful to have known her! Sending prayers of comfort to you all.
Peggy will be missed…she was a very loyal client for 50 plus years. She was very loyal and was a substitute mother to me after my mom passed…I feel such a heavy loss. I know she’s in a better place now.
I really loved her so much you just can’t imagine.
Peggy, will be missed … we all will miss her. I loved her so much . She was a light, and perky and loving and kind… the best example of a Christian woman I know!!!
Loved Ms. Peggy. Always looked forward to giving her a hug and talking with her at church. She will be so missed but we rejoice knowing she is with The Father in Heaven!
my heart is bursting with 2 different great sadness emotions today…………….great sadness in her loss for everyone who knew and loved her……..and greater joy knowing she is safe in the arms of our Loving Father! Rest in Peace Peggy….you lived your life well! xoxox
David I’m so sorry for your loss. Peggy was the sweetest lady, I always loved seeing her at your Christmas and Easter parties. My heart is with you.
Oh how I will miss my Aunt Peggy. Peggy Loved my boys sooo much…..and they LOVED her!! Thank you for being the Best Aunt Ever!!!! Please give Mom and Dad all my Love. Until we see each other again. Sing out loud !!!
So sorry to too see of Peggy’s passing. I am a cousin from Surry. We had many good times together in Surry and Newport News when she lived on Buxton Ave. My sympathy to the family
So very sorry to hear this. Mrs Peggy was a beautiful lady. You and you’re family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏❤️🙏.
To David Oliver and his Husband, Thomas Kirsch, I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories be a blessing.
Love, Laura
David & Tom,
So sorry for your loss. While we may grieve, death is just another part of the journey. Rest knowing she has just begun the next step and God willing we will be with her when we are also ready for that next phase of the journey.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved. May you find comfort and strength in God’s promise to wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. – Revelation 21:4 Condolences
My sincere condolences go out to Jay and Davis and their families. She was a very giving and wonderful person.
May she rest in peace.🪦
Jay and I were best friends in High School. I spent a lot of time at the Oliver household. Mrs Oliver became like a second mother to me. As I got older she told me to call her Peggy. I couldn”t do it. It just didn’t seem right. It would be like calling your mother by her first name, so she has always been Mrs Oliver to me.
When it was time to graduate High School, I had decided that I was not going. She said “Yes you are.” I went.
Many years later, she came to my wedding, 80 miles round trip for her. It was great to see her.
I have not been in Hampton for many years but I always felt that if I were passing through and broke down I could knock on her door and have a place to stay.
The world was a better place when she was in it and we were all blessed to have our lives cross paths with hers.
Mrs. Peggy Oliver has been an exemplary role model at church for me. Her unwavering kindness and generosity have profoundly influenced my own values. She consistently demonstrates compassion and dedication, encouraging others to do the same. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others have made a lasting impact on our community and on my personal growth. I am truly grateful for her guidance and support.
Mrs. Peggy Oliver was like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day, spreading joy and positivity wherever she went. She was like a superhero, helping me navigate the ups and downs of growing up with her unwavering support and wisdom. She’s the reason I’m the happy, caring person I am today. 🌟