Peggy Downey

April 20, 2023

Peggy Downey passed into the waiting arms of Jesus on April 20, 2023 after a long illness in Franklin, TN at the age of 86. Peggy was born in 1936 in Lincolnton, GA, to the late Eric and Tessie Smith, and was one of seven siblings. She was a woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion to her family, who always came first in her life.

Peggy was married to Ray Downey for 50 years, and their marriage was a testament to their enduring love and commitment to each other. Ray preceded Peggy in death, as did her brother Billy Smith. Peggy is survived by her siblings Jimmy Smith, Betty Keener, Virginia Burnley, Buck Smith, and Nancy Belangia.

Peggy is also survived by her two children Lisa (Jerry) Blanchard (Franklin TN) and Rusty (Holly) Downey (Columbus IN), grandchildren Austin (Rachel) Blanchard, Allison Blanchard, Jacob Downey, McKenna (Andrew) David and Savannah Downey. She was also blessed with three great children Jude, Nolan and Grady Blanchard.

Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, but her influence went far beyond those titles. She was the inspiration and support behind her husband's career, supporting him through countless job transfers. She was the logistics manager behind multiple household relocations, often moving many states away to support job promotions and ensuring that their children had everything they needed to thrive in each new city they called home. After moving away from her hometown of Lincolnton GA to Augusta GA where Peggy and Ray met and married, they moved to Tacoma WA, back to Augusta GA, Beaumont TX, Tucson AZ, Johnson City TN, Chattanooga TN, Shawnee KS, College Park GA, Montgomery AL, Tucson AZ (again), Shreveport LA, Knoxville TN, Houston TX, Roanoke VA and Alabaster AL. Peggy ultimately moved to Franklin TN to be near family.

While Peggy’s journey took her far from her family in and around Lincolnton GA, her heart was never far from them regardless of the miles that separated them. Peggy's resourcefulness and practicality were legendary. She could fix just about anything with a piece of tape, glue, or a spare bolt. Peggy was also an avid computer user and enjoyed keeping up with her family's travels, the news, and the weather. She loved making personalized greeting cards on her computer for friends and family and always kept her checkbook up to date.

Throughout her life, Peggy's heart remained rooted in her family and her faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The cremains of Peggy and Ray will be interred together at a later date at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, TN in a private service that reflects their shared faith and the love that they shared throughout their lives.