Cora "Peggy" Marie Smith

Cora “Peggy” Marie Smith, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on Saturday September 1st, 2018.

Peggy was born in Arkansas on May 26th, 1933 (though she is forever 16). She was one of eight children born to Walker and Essie Wilhelm. Peggy married James C. Smith, on November 18, 1947 and moved from Michigan with four children, to California where they had their fifth child.

Aside from caring for her children in the home, Peggy liked to stay busy and enjoyed socializing with anyone who crossed her path, as she did not know a stranger. She worked as supervisor for Barco for many years, before moving on to open her own clothing boutique, Fashion Spree, and seamstress services on Center St. in Taft. Her customer service skills were put to good use when she became a server at Golden Ox, and was known for her smile that welcomed all. Her dedication and desire to continue to serve others helped her get a job at Albertson, from where she eventually retired. She was often referred to as the “sweet, little grey haired, lady” or “Miss Peggy” behind the deli counter.

Family was her number one priority and she worked hard to help provide for them, bringing her dedication and devotion home with her every day. Her family was the light of her life and she was happiest when they were around. She managed to get many of her loved ones together annually to help make candy during the holidays, banana ice cream in the summer, and of course her well known, and loved banana nut and pumpkin bread (she took the recipe with her, so don’t ask).

As her children grew, she graciously opened her doors to her grandchildren, providing a welcoming home full of love, laughter and memories. She was a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, and always gave the best advice, whether you wanted it or not.

Peggy was predeceased by her loving husband, James C. Smith; devoted sons, Terry Smith and James (Jim) Smith; parents, Walker and Essie Wilhelm; and her siblings, James, Kenneth, Walker Jr. (Mutt), Louise, Lavada, George, and Bufford.

She is survived by her children, Nanette Powell, Sue Fleckenstein and her husband Mike, her son Eddie Smith and his wife Carol. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Anna, Jon, Katie, Sara, Gary, Jeff, Susan, Brian, Randy, Chrissy, Missy, Cherie, Bethany, Ryan and Heather as well as many great and great-great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held in Peggy’s honor at Erickson & Brown Funeral Home, 501 Lucard St. in Taft, CA on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 1 p.m.

The family invites anyone that wishes to celebrate the life of Peggy with them, to join for a post memorial reception, immediately following the service. This celebration of life will be hosted at The Fort, 915 N. 10th St. in Taft, CA.

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