Peggy Annette Purkiss

Peggy Annette Purkiss was born on August 29, 1940 to George D. and Ira Dell Gregory Purkiss. She had two older sisters, Earline Siler Dailey and Willodeen “Tommye” Purkiss. She spent most of her childhood in Pangburn, Arkansas until her family moved to Little Rock. She graduated from Central High School in 1958.

She loved to tell stories about life on the farm, especially ones about her nephews Ed (Elaine) Siler, Tommy (d. 2010) (Pam) Siler, Randy (Marie) Siler, and Mickey (Lynn) Siler which she often referred to as simply “the boys”. Her stories about “the boys” could have easily been used as a script for The Little Rascals!

The children and grandchildren of “the boys” gave Peggy many more nieces and nephews and tons more stories. On any given day, she could probably tell you what costume each kid wore on the previous Halloween. She loved being around her family on any occasion … cookouts, family vacations, holidays or any occasion for a party.

Peggy worked for many years in customer service at Transamerica and JCPenney. She devoted her life to volunteer service and caring for others. She cared for her mother and sisters, volunteered in the nursery at South Highland Baptist Church, volunteered at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock and the Center on the Lake in Maumelle in addition to caring for several of her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by nephews Ed Siler, Randy Siler, and Mickey Siler along with their children (grandchildren): Tammy Siler (Sullivan), Shelly Siler (Sydney), Rusty Siler (Bailey, Noah, Carly, Lexy), Leslie Heard (Reagan), Amber Siler (Charlie), Vikki Hudgens (Shelby and Taylor), Justin Siler and her faithful 4 legged companion, Desi (AKA "Lil' Bit").

On July 28, 2023, Peggy passed peacefully from this life while holding the hands of her nieces Tammy and Shelly to the loving arms of her parents and sisters who preceded her in death. All those who knew Peggy know that her lifelong Christian faith most certainly comforted her in the transition from this world to her new life with Jesus.

A visitation will be held on Friday August 4th at First Baptist Church of Maumelle, 100 Valencia Dr. from 12:30 to 1:30. A service will immediately follow from 1:30 to 2:30. She will be laid to rest at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.