SURG CITY — Peggy Herring Bailey, 88, died on December 22, 2024. Peggy was born October 4, 1936 in Duplin County, North Carolina to parents Edgar Johnny Herring and Ruth Carter Herring.
She was predeceased by her husband Vernon L. Bailey.
Surviving are her son, Steven L. Bailey and wife Jessi; daughter, Lisa Bailey Mosher and husband Scott. Aunt, Mae Carter of Surf City, NC; Cousins, Coy Carter and wife Marie of Wallace, NC, JoAnne Kendrick and husband Dennis of Tulsa, OK, and Joyce Herring of Tabor City, NC.
Peggy graduated from Wallace Rose-Hill High School and then attended Campbell College (now Campbell University) and Wilmington College (now UNCW) from 1954-1956 and earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration. A year after graduating she met and married Vernon Bailey and moved to Miami, FL, where she worked for Dade Federal Savings and Loan Bank, Miami, FL. In 1974 she returned to Surf City and assisted in the management of the family business, Herring’s Tackle and Beach Shop (now Herring’s Outdoor Sports). She then became the manager of the business after her father’s death in 1977.
Peggy was a member of Surf City Baptist Church where she played the piano and sang in the choir for many years, which brought her great joy. She was very active in the town of Surf City and involved in various civic organizations; Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Co-Director of the Miss Topsail Island Scholarship Pageant and the Surf City Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The family extends a special thank you to Emily Meadows and Kathleen Sakiewicz who helped care for Peggy the past couple of years. Thank you also to the staff at Woodbury Assisted Living and all the friends who visited.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Gathering Surf City Baptist Church, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.
Memorial gifts and donations may be made to Samaritans Purse.
