Peggy Lee Colvin Byess

Peggy Lee Colvin Byess lived a life filled with faith, family, service, creativity, and joy. Born to Branson Lee Colvin and Frances Inez Hammond Colvin, she graduated from the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and devoted 35 years, as a RN, to caring for others at Baptist Hospital in Columbia. She served as a neonatal nurse for the majority of her career, and later as a certified lactation consultant.

In 1958, Peggy married Glenn Eugene Byess, the love of her life. Their 55 years together were filled with faith, family, adventure, and cherished memories. Glenn predeceased her, as did her beloved sister, Jeanne Colvin Florence.

Peggy was a faithful member of St. Andrews Baptist Church, where she volunteered in the church office after her retirement. Her faith and church family remained central to her life.

Peggy was a woman of multiple talents—an extraordinary cake decorator, artist, floral arranger, and master seamstress. She designed and made both the wedding cake and wedding dress for her daughter Angie’s wedding. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds around her front yard feeders. She also loved her pets over the years – her childhood horse, her many family dogs and cats throughout her life, and especially her beloved cat, Boots.

Her greatest joy was her family. Peggy will be remembered for her joyful spirit, creativity, faith, generous heart, wise counsel, and deep love for her family and friends. Her life was a blessing, and her legacy lives on in all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Byess (Ann) and Angie Kingsmore (Freddie); niece Lori Florence; grandchildren Andrew Byess (Emily), Jennifer Kingsmore Waddell (Michael) and Mark Kingsmore (Colleen); and great-grandchildren Maggie, Branson, Mason, and Scott.