Peggy Sue Rollins Piper, 87, of Barlow, Kentucky, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 14, 2024, at Metropolis Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Peggy liked to tell the story that she was a “flood baby”, being born on January 29, 1937, during the peak of the great flood. Peggy graduated with honors from Ballard Memorial High School in May 1955, then married her high school sweetheart, Joe Ben Piper, on June 10, 1955.
In 1956, Peggy began working in the courthouse in Wickliffe as Treasurer of Ballard County Schools and Secretary to W.F. McGary, who was Superintendent of Schools. She worked there until October 1964. In 1967, She attended Paducah Community College before accepting a position with Westvaco Corporation in Wickliffe, Kentucky. In 1968, Peggy soon became Secretary to the Mill Manager at the plant. She worked at Westvaco for 37 years, having seven different Mill Managers during her tenure as Secretary. Peggy loved her job as it gave her such happiness. Her co-workers became like family to her. Peggy began writing poems for retirees at the mill and also for family and friends. Writing poems became one of her most enjoyable hobbies.
However, Peggy’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a generous, supportive, and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She never missed a dance recital, piano recital, ball game, concert, shopping trip, or just a “road trip” with her girls! She beamed with pride when she bragged on her granddaughters. She became “Granny Peg” to many of her granddaughter’s friends and still holds that title today.
Peggy also loved to plant flowers and pull weeds. Her yard was always beautiful. She also loved a good bargain and would go to town with a can of spray paint or stain, to brighten up an old piece of furniture. Peggy always enjoyed entertaining, hosting many parties, weddings, and pool parties.
She was active in her community and in Barlow First Baptist Church, teaching the young women’s and mothers Sunday School class for many years and serving on various committees at church.
Peggy was the past President of the Ballard Memorial High School Alumni Association, which provides scholarships for graduating students. She was very active in fundraising when the Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross was built in Wickliffe and served on the Board for many years.
Peggy is survived by her two daughters, Keytha Piper Cooper of Barlow and Kelly (Jim) Harris of Paducah; three granddaughters, Kassie Bell of Paducah, Kody (Jesse) Anderson of Cunningham and Kelsey (Justin) Waldon of Ashland City, Tennessee; two great-grandchildren, Piper James Anderson and Ozzy Bo Anderson; and several nieces nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Ben Piper; her parents, Clifford and Maurice Rollins; and a brother, Larry Keith Rollins.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Barlow First Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Fickes officiating. Burial will follow at Barlow Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the service time of 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the church. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to BMHS Alumni Association, c/o Jane Cooper 76 N Garrett Rd, La Center, KY 42056, or to Barlow First Baptist Church, PO Box 160, Barlow, KY 42024.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Polly Le Buhn; Dr. Susan Mueller and her staff; Rivercrest Assisting Living and their staff; and to Peggy’s caregiver, sitters and primary sitters, Lee Ann Riley and Whitney Morgan; and Mercy Health Hospice, Taylor, Donna and Brent.