Celebrating the Life of Peggy Higgins Jackson

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of Peggy Higgins Jackson, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 4, 2026, at the age of 89.

To know Peggy was to love her, and to be loved by Peggy was one of life’s greatest blessings.

Peggy’s life was a beautiful reflection of her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Through every season, she trusted God’s plan, loved generously, served others with humility, and found joy in life’s simplest blessings. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived each day through kindness, compassion, grace, and unconditional love.

If there was one thing Peggy loved most, it was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud Grandma, and the treasured “Nana Jackson” to her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and open arms, and everyone who walked through her door knew they belonged.

Children held a special place in Peggy’s heart. She delighted in making them laugh, often making silly faces just to hear their giggles. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every hug, and never missed an opportunity to make a child feel loved. She also cherished the simple things in life, especially heartfelt cards filled with handwritten words of love. Those thoughtful gestures meant the world to her because relationships always came first.

Peggy was known for her wonderful sense of humor. She could make people laugh with her quick wit and joyful spirit, bringing light to everyday moments and reminding those around her not to take life too seriously. Her laughter was contagious, and her smile had a way of making everyone feel at home.

One of God’s greatest gifts to Peggy was her beloved husband, Vernon Jackson—the love of her life and truly the man of her dreams. Together they built a remarkable life centered on faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. Side by side, they owned and operated Jackson’s Family Restaurant, a place whose name perfectly reflected what it was. It wasn’t simply a restaurant—it was an extension of their home. Friends became family, strangers were welcomed with open arms, and countless memories were made around Peggy and Vernon’s table. To so many, it truly was the best restaurant in the country because it was built with love.

For more than 60 years after their love story began, Peggy and Vernon remained completely devoted to one another. Their marriage was marked by unwavering loyalty, deep respect, enduring friendship, and a love that never faded. They stood faithfully by each other’s side through every joy and every hardship, always choosing one another. Together, they gave their family a beautiful example of what God intended marriage to be—a lifelong covenant rooted in faith, commitment, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Of all the blessings God gave Peggy in this life, sharing it with Vernon was among her greatest joys.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jimmy Lincoln; her cherished daughter, Debi Jackson Winsett; her precious granddaughter, Christy Malone; her parents, Ollie and Alta Higgins; and her siblings, Grady, Buford, Billy, Cutdeep, Earl, Fay, and Linda.

She leaves behind the love of her life and devoted husband, Vernon Jackson; her loving children, Philip Jackson, Pat Malone, and Diana Medlen; her cherished grandchildren, Lori, Perry Jr., Russell, Stephanie (Mike), Ashley (Calvin), Gary (Tosha), Justin, Josh, Josh (Rachel), Cheyenne, and Derek.

One of Peggy’s greatest joys was being “Nana Jackson” to her beloved great-grandchildren: CJ, Brett, Trey, Tyler, Noah, Jackson, Sven, Skyler, Jerni, Cruz, Sophia, Jackson, Preston, Sydney, Jacob, Cassidy, Noelle, Caden, Sadie, Smith, Aleea, Torrence, and Jerasen; and her cherished great-great-grandchildren: Krimson, Ariel, Atreya, Abigail, Madeline, Drew, Jace, Zayn, Travis, Leola, and Phoebe, with several more precious blessings on the way. She is also lovingly remembered by several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and love.

Peggy’s greatest legacy is the family she and Vernon built together—a family grounded in faith, strengthened by unconditional love, and blessed by generations who proudly called her Grandma and Nana Jackson. She taught those she loved to laugh often, welcome everyone with open arms, cherish family above all else, treasure the little moments, and trust God through every circumstance.

Although her family will miss her more than words can express, they find peace in God’s promise that this is not goodbye forever. They rejoice knowing Peggy has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, healed and whole in the presence of her Savior.

Until we meet again, we will remember your laughter, your silly faces, your warm hugs, your handwritten cards tucked away like treasures, your unwavering faith, and the unconditional love you poured into every life you touched.

Your legacy will live on in every family gathering, every child’s laughter, every shared meal, every act of kindness, and every heart that was blessed to know you.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 7th from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Berryhill Funeral Home, followed by memorial service at 11:00.