Peggy D. Blythe
Published 6:28 pm Friday, August 2, 2019
FRANKLIN — Peggy Denton Blythe, 87, affectionately known as “Mema,” died on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with family at her side.
Peggy D. Blythe
Born on July 3, 1932, in Nash County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Y. Denton and Eula Hedgepeth Denton Rowe, fondly known as “Granny Lucy,” and was predeceased by her former husband, Joseph A. Blythe.
Peggy graduated from Rocky Mount High School and attended Chowan College, where she received a certificate in business. She worked at Norfolk General Hospital in medical records, and then worked many years as the manager for Thornton and Spalding dental office. She retired at the age of 77.
Peggy was a very active member of Franklin Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher for 55-plus years. She participated in choir, handbells, Bible studies and various committees.
Peggy served on the school board of Franklin High School, Franklin YMCA board, PTA and Franklin Women’s Club.
Survivors include her children, Joseph Blake Blythe (Diane) of Winton, North Carolina; Wanda L. Blythe (Wayne Briley) of South Boston; Neda B. Flores of Nashville, Tennessee; Linda B. Howell of Greenville, North Carolina; and Lisa B. Turner (Bruce) of Sedley; five grandchildren, Courtney B. Jackson (Jeff), Kirstin B. Riddle (Stephen), Chelsea B. Garner (Shawn), Joseph W. “Billy” Nixon and Morgan L. Howell; five great-grandchildren, Chase and Elani Jackson, Gilly and Everett Riddle and Letty Garner; and former daughter-in-law, Terry Blythe of Franklin.
Mema was loved by family and friends and will be remembered for her beautiful smile and sweet personality.
The funeral was at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, in Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls officiating.
Burial will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Rocky Mount Memorial Park, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
The family received friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, and suggests that memorial donations be made to Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851, or your favorite charity.