Margaret “Peggy” Davis Jefferson, a loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024. After undergoing abdominal surgery, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer, and she faced it with strength and courage. Though she fought bravely, she ultimately passed away following her treatment at the age of 91. Born on June 10, 1933, in Whittier, California, Peggy lived a healthy, full and vibrant life combined with family, faith, travel, sports, and music. 

Peggy attended Whittier High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After marrying Dr. Thomas “Tom” W. Jefferson, Peggy and Tom moved to Miami Shores, Florida, where Peggy took on the role of Physical Education Teacher and coach at Miami-Dade Community College. They then resided in Sebring Springs, Florida.

Peggy and Tom shared over 60 years of love and partnership, though their life together was touched by tragedy with the loss of their only son, James “Jimmy” Leland Jefferson, at the age of 18. Even through life’s challenges, Peggy embraced joy and adventure, traveling extensively with Tom to places they loved, including Italy, Mexico, and crossing the United States annually in their RV to spend the Christmas holidays with friends and family in California. Following retirement, they moved to Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona, where they spent their best days attending church, playing golf and tennis, RV-traveling, and enjoying the camaraderie of friends. They split time between California and Arizona, until they eventually moved permanently to Laguna Woods, California, where Peggy stayed after Tom’s passing in 2013.

Peggy’s warm laughter and great sense of humor made her the life of any gathering, and she was always eager to enjoy time with friends. An enthusiastic sports fan, Peggy loved cheering on her favorite college or local football teams. She also enjoyed countless golf tournaments and games of tennis, badminton and table tennis—most often winning!

She was an active member of many associations and friends including the Allegro Classy Chassies, Laguna Woods College Club, Tennis Club and Woman’s Golf Club; Arizona Allegro Group and Weekenders; and Beta Phi. She participated weekly in Zoom Happy Hours with out-of-town friends. Music was a significant part of her life; she loved playing the piano and, more recently, had taken up the violin.

Peggy was a devoted Christian who embraced an active role in church life, singing in the choir wherever she lived. Most recently, she found a cherished home at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods. Throughout her life, Peggy served her community in many meaningful ways, including assisting seniors with their tax returns—a role that held a special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Irene W. and Joseph C. Davis; her brother, Robert C. Davis; her husband, Dr. Thomas W. Jefferson; and her son, James. She leaves behind a sister-in-law, Sally E. Davis of Huntington Beach, along with nieces Mrs. Diane (Davis) Murphy and Mrs. Sandi (Davis) Hanscom, three grand nieces, and one grand nephew, as well as extended family and friends who will forever remember her zest for life and incredible endurance.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Monday, November 11th @ 11am at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Niguel, California followed by a burial @ Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary @ 3pm.  (see below links for details)

Peggy’s laughter, love, and fervor for life will be missed by all who knew her.

*Geneva Presbyterian Church: https://www.genevapres.org/directions

*Rose Hills details on this link: https://www.rosehills.com/obi…

Zoom Link to Service:  Time: Nov 11, 2024 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88260288271?pwd=fXOwEG9vE8JbbQwHh1paQPI5XKWzK6.1

Meeting ID: 882 6028 8271.   Passcode: Peggy

---One tap mobile

+16699009128,,88260288271# US (San Jose)

+16694449171,,88260288271# US

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/margaret-peggy-jefferson/obituary/

Copy