Peggy (Riggins) Mayes

Peggy Mayes departed this life Monday, June 22, 2026.  Born June 21, 1936, in Robertson County, Tennessee to the late Barbara Dozier Riggins Trogdon, she was the eldest of three children.  After graduating from Springfield High School in 1954, Peggy attended St. Thomas School of Nursing – graduating in 1957, and on August 16, 1957, married the love of her life, Thomas “Tommy” Mayes, the beginning of a love story that would continue to unfold and impact the world for the next 60 years and beyond.  In December 1957, she began a 44-year career in Public Health Nursing, working as a Registered Nurse at the Robertson County Health Department, and serving for a short time as the Supervisor of TB Control at the State of Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Regional Office.  She retired from the Health Department in 2001.  

She was an active member of Greenbrier United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years, and was a fixture at the GUMC United Methodist Women’s Group, a Founding Member of the GUMC JOY group, a leader of the prayer shawl ministry, and active in Sunday School, Bible Studies, delivering Church Bulletins and Meals to Shut-Ins, and volunteering during Vacation Bible School.  She enjoyed spending time with her Friday coffee and donut group, her high school friends, and her retired work friends from the Robertson County Health Department.  

Peggy’s greatest pride and joy, though, was her family.  She poured into Margaret Ann and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she loved spending time with more than anything else. From family beach trips to Christmas Parties to any number of school performances, sporting events, and recitals, she was always there – beaming with pride.  She never ended a conversation without reminding them of how proud she was of them.  “Maw Maw”, as she is affectionately known by her family, was one of a kind – she never wanted to be the center of attention but was always ready to brag on her family and their latest accomplishment, no matter how big or small.  She was the very definition of a “good and faithful servant”, and she never met a stranger.  She never judged a book by its cover and could always be counted on to provide an uplifting word.  The only thing better than her chess pie was the hugs and love she gave to everyone around her.  She had a way of making you feel like you could take on any challenge, no matter how difficult. There truly will never be another like her, and everyone who had the honor of knowing her is better for it.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tommy” Mayes, Mother Barbara Dozier Riggins Trogdon, brother, Leonard Ewing “Bubbie” Riggins, sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Dozier Riggins Gamble and nephew Clay Riggins.  She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Ann (Jim) Williams, grandchildren Duncan (Katie) Williams, Kathryn (Kevin) Criswell, and Kaitlyn Williams, great-grandchildren Lucas Williams, Andrew Criswell, Charlotte Williams, Thomas Criswell, and Alice Mae Williams, brother-in-law Paul Gamble, sister-in-law Naomi Riggins, and a host of nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grandnephews. 

The family will receive visitors at Greenbrier United Methodist Church on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10:00 am until the celebration of life service at 1:00p.m., with Dr. Jason Wilkerson officiating.  Interment will follow at Springfield Memorial Gardens.  Wade Riggins, Tim Riggins, Wayne Gamble, Garry Pangborn, Christopher Gamble, Connor Gamble, Addison Riggins, Warren Riggins, Wesley Riggins, and Walker Riggins will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Greenbrier United Methodist Church or the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, and all donations can be sent c/o Robertson County Funeral Home.

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