Peggy Jo Williams Davis

Peggy Jo Williams Davis (daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandma, great-grandma), age 86: Small but mighty is a great way to describe Peggy. And while her mighty will was still there over these last few months, showing us how tough she really was, her body just couldn’t keep up, and she passed early Friday morning, January 26, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Veda and Charles Williams, and her brothers-in-law, Ken Elston and Jerry Leach.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gary Davis; her two children Scott (Richelle) Davis and Pam Watson; her grandchildren Jodi (Sergey) Pyltsov, Jesse Watson, Claire Davis, Jacki Watson, Ethan (Connor) Davis, and Jami Watson. She is also survived by her sisters, Jeanette Leach and Sandra Elston, and brother, Bob (Bonnie) Williams and her great grandchildren Lexi, Catalina, Briella, and baby boy on the way; along with extended family, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Peggy was born December 21, 1937, in Lebanon, Missouri. While the children were still young, the family relocated to the Kansas City area, and Peggy graduated from Raytown High School. The siblings tell stories of growing up in a loving family with the occasional teenage rebellion, like when the sisters would leave the house looking “presentable,” but would then roll up and cuff their jeans when out of sight of home to fit in with the style of their peers.

Peggy met Gary a few years after high school and soon began leaving her weekends free so she would be available when he called. They married in February of 1962. Gary’s job with Chevrolet kept them moving until they returned to KC in 1979 and found a home in Raytown. Once her kids were established in school, Peggy worked as a secretary in temporary agencies and, for many years, for an attorney on The Plaza. Her requirement of her workplace was to be able to take off to travel whenever Gary won his Chevrolet-awarded trips and for their frequent vacations to their cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Here are a few memories that bring smiles to her family as we move into this time without her: Don’t try to cut in front of her while waiting in line for Santa Claus; she has a strong hip-check that she will apply. On nights when Gary was traveling, her kids could always count on spaghetti at least once since it was not his favorite. Many hours were spent by her kids chatting with Peggy while she ironed the laundry (and was where they learned the proper way to iron a shirt). Sneaking extra cookies after school would always be detected, no matter how carefully we tried to disguise our crime. Friends and family were amazed by the variety and quality of ready-made frozen food Peggy could find at the store. And her tacos are world renowned. Waking up late at night on a long trip with Peggy driving and Gary asleep always meant good music on the radio. She could make anyone laugh no matter what kind of day they were having, she lit up any room she walked into, and she put everyone else first, so selflessly. She never knew a stranger and would, instantly, make new best friends everywhere. She was goofy, mischievous, good natured, and so much fun to be around. And you couldn’t ask for a better friend, lake buddy, and margarita partner. Peggy and Gary were great parents to their children and perhaps even better grandparents—just ask their grandkids and great grandkids!

The family is thankful that Gary and Peggy showed what real love looks like, and never broke their promise of “until death do us part” that they made 62 years ago.

She will be missed by family, friends and anyone that knew her. To know her was to love her.

Her family will gather privately to honor and remember Peggy.