Peggy Jean Arnold, age 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 12th, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law (Jennifer & Jack Escorcia). She was born in Wales, Tennessee on June 12th, 1940. She was the daughter of Walter Wesley McCoy and Bessie Eliza (Lowe) McCoy.
Peggy graduated from Kirksville High School near St. Louis, Missouri in 1958. She then attended nursing school at Missouri Baptist Hospital and graduated in 1961. Peggy had a long and successful career as a Registered Nurse and enjoyed taking great care of her many patients over the years. She worked full time at General Electric, initially as a plant nurse, and then moved into the Reproduction Department. She was a dedicated employee and retired from G.E. after 30 years.
Peggy loved the Lord and her faith was evident to all who knew her. She was involved in church throughout her life and in her later years attended the Stronghurst Christian Church with her family. Peggy’s greatest joy was her family. She dedicated her life to sharing, giving, and spending each moment she had with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She touched the lives of many people throughout her life on this earth and she leaves behind a loving legacy for her family.
Peggy enjoyed drinking a good cup of coffee; telling stories; playing board games/cards; listening to Elvis; watching Monk, Murder She Wrote, Matlock, and Hallmark Movies; eating chocolate ice cream; spending time with family/friends; going to yard sales; enjoying a good vacation; and taking Sunday drives. She was a caring mother, loyal friend, and faithful follower of Jesus.
Survivors include her daughter Jennifer (Jack) Escorcia of Media, IL; two grandchildren, Sarah Escorcia & Isabella (Noah) Hibbs both of Burlington, IA; one sister, Betty (Roger) Miller of Fort Madison, IA; one brother, Donnie McCoy of LaHarpe, IL; one sister-in-law, Judy McCoy; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her twin babies (a boy and a girl) who were born into God’s care; her son, William Bryan (“Bubba”) Arnold; her older brother, Billy McCoy, her two younger brothers, Douglas (Joyce) McCoy and Jack McCoy; and one sister-in-law, Barb McCoy.
The funeral services for Peggy will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 17th at the Stronghurst Christian Church with Pastor Steve Minkler officiating. Visitation will be prior to the church service from 10:00am to 11:00am. According to Peggy’s wishes, she will be cremated following the service. Memorial donations have been established for the Stronghurst Christian Church and the Alzheimer’s Association. Banks & Beals Funeral Home will assist with arrangements. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
