Peggy Novell Hayes Russell

“The good times in my life far outweigh the sad times and I look to the Lord for my strength and happiness, my smile is very real.” ~Peggy~  

Marion, Virginia

 Peggy Novell Hayes Russell age 93, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024 at Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie, Va.

 Peggy was born December 07, 1930 and was the youngest daughter of four. She started school when she was almost seven at Carnegie High School and graduated in 1949, returning later as a substitute teacher. During her academic career, Peggy was a true trailblazer. She enjoyed plays in which she had lead roles, swimming, and was a part of the first cheer squad and basketball team. After high school, she attended Morristown College in Tennessee, studying home economics. She then attended A & T College in Greensboro, N.C. In 1954 she married Nappy, the father of her five children. She had to become the “sole bread winner” at a time when wages were low and jobs were scarce after Nappy passed while the children were young. Peggy came from a strong foundation and only got stronger with age. What most would give up on, she didn’t and worked tirelessly to provide for her children, teaching them many values they still use today. She didn’t stop at just her own family, she had to be sure everyone else was properly fed and had somewhere to lay their head. She worked as a Headstart Aide at Marion Primary School before returning to school in the late 60’s, becoming an LPN through the Smyth County Vocational School. She first worked at Marion General Hospital then moving to the maternity ward of Smyth County Community Hospital. In 1972, Peggy started what would be a 25-year career teaching at the Blue Ridge Job Corps. It was here that she made a difference by playing a major role in students’ lives by believing in them when others didn’t and making them feel like they were someone. She also helped write the curriculum for the awareness class. Peggy’s life was full and rich with her 63 loyal years serving at Mt Zion Temple as one of the founding members in 1962. She was a licensed, ordained minister and headed up the committee for the Church Building Fund and sang with the Soul Stirrers Choir. Throughout the years, she served as Church Secretary, Pastors Shepherd Ministry President, Licensed Evangelist, Women’s Ministry President, Chosen Generation President, Assistant Helping Hand President, Member of the West Virginia and East Tennessee Counsel, Assistant Secretary promoted to Secretary of Women’s Ministry President, Jr. Missionary President. After her retirement, Peggy taught at the Mt Zion Temple Academy, always participating in their bake sales. In addition to her time spent at Mt. Zion Temple Academy, Peggy also served as House Mother at the Agape House for Unwed Mothers in Marion. Peggy Novell Hayes Russell was a woman who left a legacy of faith, love, kindness, hard work & determination that will not be forgotten.

 She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arthur Lincoln “Nappy” Hayes, Jr. & Alonzo Russell; sons, Paul S. Hayes & Robert L. Hayes; parents, Harry & Pricie Hall; brother, Harry William Hall; sister, Winifred Hall Garred. 

 Peggy is survived by her daughters, Alice Hayes Crockett, Debra Hayes, Diane Hayes; special daughter, Elizabeth Charese Hall; son, Ted Hayes; sister, Ann Hall Foster Jackson; brother, William “Bill” Hall all of Marion, Va.; grandchildren, Derius Jordan Bowen & Brett Xavier Hayes; great-grandchildren Jordyn My’Asia Johnson, Rihanna Saunders, McKenzie Bowen, Carter Livingston, Derius Matthew Bowen, Da’Marion Hayes, A’Layla Hayes & Ja’Necia Hayes; nephew, Stevie Foster; special children of the heart, Joseph Garred, Freddie Garred, Cynthia Garred, Alice Jones, Eugene Garred, Linda Rankin, Harry Hall Jr., & Pam Mitchell; special daughters-in-law of the heart, Dawn Bowen & Michelle Tirado both of Marion, Va.

 Special thank you to the Staff of Valley Health Care Center & Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia for the care given to Peggy. 

 The family will receive friends Monday, October 14, 2024 from 5 until 6 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. Services will begin at 6 p.m. with Bishop Lester Turner officiating. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Round Hill Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Marion Va.

To share memories of Peggy Novell Hayes Russell, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Peggy & the Hayes family have been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.