Peggy LaDell Hillhouse

1948-2025

Peggy LaDell Hillhouse was born in Houston, MS on February 16, 1948 and went to heaven peacefully on March 1, 2025 in Eupora, MS. Peggy loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ first and secondly fiercely loved and protected her family. As the first born of four children, she began organizing and placing herself "in charge" at an early age. Throughout her life, she exhibited leadership and a strong will without a hesitation to speak up or provide direction. Those characteristics gave her strength to persevere through many life trials and allowed her to help many family members and friends when they needed a little boost in times of need.

Peggy grew up on what is now called Savannah Lake Road in a tight knit community of family and close friends. She attended Double Springs Baptist Church and loved spending time with her grandmothers whenever possible. She had a childhood spent playing outside and working to help out while she mothered her younger siblings and any pet that might come along. She once had a pet chicken that she cared for so meticulously to the point she painted its toenails. She attended Cumberland schools through graduation in 1965. She was voted "Most Courteous" in high school and studious while allowing time for fun and sweet memory making with her best friends. She went on to Holmes Junior College for two years and then married her high school sweetheart, Larry Hunter. They moved to Starkville where Peggy began motherhood with the birth of their son. Later, they moved to Memphis where their daughter was born and Peggy met Elvis which was one of her favorite memories to describe in great detail! They had a few more geographical relocations before they settled back in Webster County. Peggy and Larry were married for nineteen years and had two children who are the best legacy of their relationship. While living in Vincennes, Indiana with school aged children, Peggy made the brave decision to go to nursing school and achieved and Associates Degree in Nursing from Vincennes University and became a Registered Nurse. She worked in a hospital in Vincennes after graduation, then in the ICU at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, LA and finally the longest portion of her nursing career was spent at Webster General Hospital in Eupora, MS. At Webster General she rode in the back of many ambulances transporting critical patients to Jackson, assisted in delivering babies, scrubbed in for surgeries, worked in the Emergency Room and cared for countless patients. Peggy was an excellent nurse and loved every moment of her career that contributed richly to the community of Eupora.

Upon returning to Webster County, Peggy became a member of First Baptist Church of Eupora where she attended faithfully, encouraged her children to develop their walk with Christ and served to support the youth by teaching Acteens and chaperoning youth trips. She received the blessing of watching three of her granddaughters grow up in FBC Eupora, too.

While Peggy's career and community involvement were important, her family brought her the most joy. She loved her parents, brothers and sisters dearly and always made sure to host family gatherings to keep the bonds strong. She is most famous for her family Fourth of July events with a huge firework show at dark. Her sister remained her best friend and favorite person in adulthood and they had many adventures in convertibles, shopping and taking mini trips. Her grandchildren brought a level of joy unlike any she had ever experienced. She spent most of her later years encouraging, cheering on, supporting and watching her seven grandchildren grow. They lovingly named her Nanna and she gave them many memories to cherish.

Peggy's final years included health struggles that robbed her of the independence she greatly valued. However, she still continued to celebrate milestones and happy events with her family and never lost her faith in Christ to sustain and meet her every need.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Dorothy Hillhouse and her brother, Tony Hillhouse. She is survived by her two children, Gregg Hunter (Robin), Amanda Hunter Brown (Riley), seven grandchildren, CharLeigh Hunter, Breanna Hunter, Alana Hunter, Kice Brown (Tatum), Hunter Cate Ginn (Jacob), Gabe Brown, Briggs Brown and one great grandson, Wilson Brown. She is also survived by her sister and brother, Susan Hamilton and Mike Hillhouse and her sister-in-law, Carol Hillhouse. Peggy adored and is survived by her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Her first cousins were her closest childhood friends and remained dear to her until the end of her life.