Peggy Jessup

Peggy J. Jessup, 75, of Charlotte, NC died peacefully at her home on October 28, 2015, after a courageous battle with Lymphoma which began in 1983.

Peggy was born February 3, 1940 in Elizabethtown, NC, the daughter of the late Jasper C. and Bessie L. Jessup. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her bother in law Robert C. MacDuffee M.D. She is survived by her sister, Ann Jessup MacDuffee of Elizabethtown, and her brother J. Carl Jessup and his wife Clare of New Bern, NC. Other loved ones left to cherish her life and memories are nephew Marc C. Jessup (Gail) and great nephews Austin and Hanes and great niece Greer of New Bern, NC and nephew Ross M. Jessup(Lisa) and great nephews Griffith, Chase, Alex, and Pierce Jessup of Austin, TX; childhood friend, Maria Morgan Elmore of Charlotte and many loving cousins.

Peggy's work ethics started at the age of 14, working in her hometown department store soon becoming the cashier. She chose to work while in college and during the summers. But this never kept her from traveling and enjoying life to the fullest.

Peggy attended RPI (now Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond), and graduated from East Carolina College (now East Carolina University). She was a CPA in NC for 50 years, first at George G. Scott & Co., where she was the only female partner. After two years in her own firm, in 2002, she entered into a new partnership, Blacka Jessup & Henderson LLP in Charlotte. She was not only a tax advisor, but a lifelong friend to several generations of client families, as well as a mentor to many associates. She was a Deacon and Elder in her beloved church, Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian, where she served as Clerk of Session, was awarded Presbyterian Women's Honorary Life Membership in 2010, served as Child Development Center board member, Care Team leader, and participated in Guatemala Mission Trip, Habitat for Humanity and Just Friends. She often helped prepare and serve meals for Room at the Inn. She especially enjoyed cutting collards in Bladen County after Christmas, bringing them back to Charlotte to prepare along with the black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, cornbread and macaroni and cheese for the homeless' New Years meal.

Peggy was a member of Pilot International for 50 years, having served as President of the Pilot Club of Charlotte many terms, Governor of the NC District, a Pilot International Foundation Director, and Chair of Love Lights at Freedom Park, the annual Pilot fundraiser for Alzheimer's research. She was on the boards of Salvation Army, Can Care, and the Alzheimer's Association and delivered Friendship Trays for 40 years. She was also an avid sports fan, supporting the early Charlotte Hornets, and was a PSL Carolina Panthers fan, attending all home games, cheering them on until the end of the game! It was not unusual for her to be out of town and get up at five to return to Charlotte for a game. It was a great boost when the Panthers recently presented her with an autographed football to encourage her to "keep pounding" in her battle against cancer.

Peggy worked quietly and humbly as she followed Jesus' example of servanthood. Whether it was preparing meals for sick friends, cooking for events at church, or providing meals for the homeless, she always lovingly prepared food and creative decorations, as if she were having a dinner party at her home. She loved to personalize gifts for family and friends by sewing items or embroidering them. Her loving friendship, faith and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her love and caring, always seeing everything half full, her sincere laugh and quick wit.

A memorial service commemorating Peggy's life will be held at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte on November 13 at 6:30 pm, with a reception following at the church. (Overflow parking available at Mouzon United Methodist Church, Selwyn @Runnymeade) The internment will be Saturday, November 14 at 2 PM in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to: Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2929 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte 28209; Pilot International, 102 Preston Court, Macon, GA 31210-5768 (Designate: Founders Fund for Alzheimer's Research); Friendship Trays, 2401 Distribution St #A, Charlotte, NC 28203, or a charity of your choice.