Peggy Ann (Curde) Willocks

Published 2:34 pm Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Peggy Ann (Curde) Willocks of Johnson City, TN, passed on to heaven with her husband by her side. She will now live forever with her Heavenly Father. Peggy received exceptional care during her short palliative care stay at Ivy Hall, Elizabethton, TN. Peggy was a member of First Christian Church, Johnson City, TN. 

Peggy is survived by her husband of 56 years Darrell, her children, Amy Willocks, Billy Willocks, Renee (Willocks) Dixon and husband, John Dixon. Peggy has three grandchildren, William Darrell Willocks III, Hollyn Dixon and Amia Dixon. She leaves her fur-grands, Lexie and Izzy (Amy’s babies) as well. Along with her daughter-in-law, Angela Goodwin Willocks. Peggy leaves both her sisters-in-law, Brenda (Willocks) Tucker and Stephanie Curde. Peggy has three loving aunts, Dorothy (Curde) McLane, Sonja (Curde) Smalling and her husband Doug, and Shirley (Perkins) Atkins. Peggy has a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews surviving her as well. 

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Betty (Perkins) Curde; brother, Russell Curde; and her father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Olena (McKinney) Willocks.

Peggy was born in Lancaster, Kentucky, on November 15, 1950. She graduated from Happy Valley High School in 1968. She did well academically and had a passion for education. After 15 years working as an assistant in the medical field, Peggy pursued her dreams. She became a teacher after receiving her bachelor’s in education from ETSU. She taught at several schools throughout several districts helping students from all backgrounds find their passions. Peggy was awarded teacher of the year multiple times throughout her career. She also coordinated Odyssey of the Mind, allowing children to advance their world through collaboration of imaginations and won several team titles during her tenure with after school OOTM. Peggy continued her education through a master’s degree in educational administration at ETSU. She became principal at Harold McCormick Elementary and was selected as Principal of the year in 1997. 

She was able to continue teaching for brief periods (several hours per month) after retirement. She taught pharmaceutical representatives through lectures about dopamine agonist. She traveled internationally to speak about the positive influence these medications had in her life. She also taught pharmacy, OT, and PT students through showing her body changes when she took Parkinson’s medications. Peggy was able to help them see how on/off times work for these patients. She was able to help explain how their bodies literally feel during those times through her real life examples of movement and rigidity to assist in helping other people living with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Peggy was also a participant in several Parkinson’s research projects. As a human volunteer, her highest level of participation was a project requiring experimental brain surgery while others involved taking trial medications. When asked why she participated in research projects she said, “I want to see a world where my grandchildren’s kids don’t have to worry about Parkinson’s.”

She was a member of the FCC Win-A-Couple class and Thursday Night Women’s Bible Study led by Karen Keplinger, Jenifer Bales, and Janice Bowman. These groups at FCC were her devoted prayer warriors throughout her battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Nana Cat, as her family knew her, will be missed dearly. When asked what they learned the most from their Nana, William said, “to be respectful and live life to its fullest each day. Hollyn said, “to do work you’re passionate about and love, so you’re serving not working.” Amia said, “to be kind to everyone no matter how you’re treated.” Her memory and legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren, family, students, and friends.

Do not be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4: 5-8.

Per Peggy’s wishes, a graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. December 23, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens on South Roan Street with Memorial Funeral Home (Elizabethton, TN) serving the family. Donald Mushayamunda will be the officiating minister for Peggy’s service. Active pallbearers will be William Willocks, Lane Leonard, Eric Willocks, Andy Reece, Travis Fair, and Roger Snodgrass. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Willocks, John Dixon, Sam and Andy Curde, as well as Peggy’s frequently visiting In Home minister, Kent Roller. It is prudent Peggy’s family express how precious the staff of Ivy Hall were to the family and Peggy. Their care, concern, love, patience, and prayers will be held dear to all of us as we continue Peggy’s legacy. The family will receive friends following the graveside service for two hours at the home of Renee and John Dixon, Johnson City, TN. In lieu of flowers, Peggy requested donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, First Christian Church of JC Children’s Ministries and FCC weekday Pre-School. Parkinson’s Research and Christian Education were two of Peggy’s greatest passions. She did as much as she could for each her entire life. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. Monday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com..

 Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Willocks family.