Peggy Irene Curry Paul

On August 19, 2020 our gentle and soft-spoken wife, mother, and grandmother was surrounded by her family as she slipped from this life into the next, where she was reunited with her parents and siblings. Peggy was born to Walker and Dora Curry on June 21, 1938 in Ridgeway, Virginia. She entered life during a thunderstorm, in a home with no electricity or running water. The creek was high, the bridge could not be crossed, and so her father carried the midwife through the creek on his back. Peggy was the youngest of six children. Her father died when she was two years old, so she was raised by her single mother and older siblings, alongside her nieces and nephews who were similar in age. She gained a love for nature and animals as she roamed the woods of the rural south.

Coming from a home with few means, Peggy believed that gaining an education was important. She graduated at the top of her class from Drewry Mason High School, where she was editor of the student newspaper. She then went to Steed College of Commerce in Martinsville, Virginia, where she earned her two-year degree in a year and a half. After college, Peggy became the secretary to the manager of Fieldcrest Mills.

During this time Peggy was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She became an active member and served as a district missionary. Peggy wanted to raise her family in her church and to have more opportunities than she had as a child, so in the fall of 1961 she packed her new Ford Falcon and drove across the country to Utah. Everyone who met her, fell in love with her southern accent, charm, and pale-blue eyes. She was classy and beautiful. She married James Harris in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they had five children, who became her full time job, her passion, and her greatest accomplishment.

Memories Peggy's children have about her include: her sense of humor, love of reading, southern cooking, flourishing garden, driving to piano lessons, helping with school assignments, teaching us tolerance, and family history/temple service. Because Peggy was raised modestly, eating mostly biscuits and beans, as a mother and grandmother she was always trying to feed her family, especially as we were walking out the door of her home. Peggy also served in many church callings.

In 1986, Peggy began a sales position with World Book Education Products. She was extremely successful and won multiple awards and trips, her favorite being Nashville and The Grand Ole Opry. Peggy was also a crossing guard during the time her children were in school, and then again after she retired from World Book. She loved the children she served.

After her children were grown, Peggy and her husband divorced. However, in 1996 she met a tall, kind gentleman named Jay Paul. Peggy and Jay married in 2001 and had 19 wonderful years together. They became practically inseparable; Peggy never wanted to leave his side. Jay and Peggy served for ten years as their ward’s special interest group leaders, and one year as inner-city missionaries. Jay's memories include vacationing to Hawaii, England, and Alaska. Friday nights they could be found at Litza's Pizza, usually accompanied by other family members. Jay served Peggy patiently the last five years of her life as she suffered with dementia. Her family will always be grateful that she had such a dedicated, loving husband.

Peggy is survived by her husband Jay Junior Paul, her five children, Tammy (Mike) Radice, Jim (Carrie) Harris, Becky (Ray) Smith, Bonnie (Brian) Gaulke, Heidi (Will) Bowman, her three step-sons, Dave (Denise), Brent (Michelle), and Rich (Ashley) Paul, 23 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

Her family would like to thank Right at Home Care, especially Lupita, Sherry, and Vicky, Ana from IHC Hospice, and Linda Hackett, her longtime friend and the best visiting teacher ever.

Like Jesus, our mom came from humble beginnings and taught us by her righteous and gentle example. We know she is welcomed into heaven by His loving arms.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. Masks and social distance required. A family graveside service, by invitation only, will be held the following day. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.