Peggy Jean (Garrett) Laird, 71, a retired school teacher of Lacy Lakeview, passed away Thursday, April 17th at a local care center.
Funeral Service: 2pm Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Huff and Rev. Archie Hoffpauir officiating. Burial will be at Mount Ida Cemetery in Westville, FL.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Monday, April 21st at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Peggy was born February 8, 1943 in Anniston, AL to Bernard and Evie Garrett. She graduated from Oxford High School in Oxford, AL; Westminster College and Jacksonville State University in Alabama with a B.S. in Secondary Education. She received her Master of Arts Degree in American Studies from Baylor University.
Peggy married Glover Laird in 1965, and they have one son. She loved teaching school for 33 years, the last 29 years at Connally High School teaching English, American and World History, and American Government and Economics. She was a long time member of the Waco First Church of the Nazarene where her favorite thing was singing in the choir.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Glover A. Laird of Lacy Lakeview; her son, Eric Douglas Laird of Bryan; and two brothers, Thomas Edward Garrett and his wife Pat of Montgomery, AL, and Billy Joe Garrett and his wife Beverly of Anniston, AL. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and many cousins including five double first cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to your favorite charity.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com/obituaries.
Print Obituary & Condolences
We are so saddened by the loss of a sweet and dear friend and outstanding teacher. Love you Glover and Eric.
Peggy touched my life so much at Westminster Congregational Methodist College in 1963. I was never good at History in High School, she made it come alive and I made my first 96 score on one of her test. I was so excited I cried. She and Glover believed in me. I got to see her smiling last week and I brushed her hair at the hospital. I can hear her singing with the angels in Heaven and what a Celebration on this Easter week. I always cherish my friends. To the family you really was blessed with this special jewel in your life and my memories of her will hold a special place in my heart always.
An amazing teacher, she truly made 0 hour government worth waking up for. She touched so many of us .. memories of Connally High School will be good partly because of her presence in our lives.. God bless you Eric and Mr Laird… our hearts and prayers are with you as you go through this journey.
Robin Mack
Mrs. Laird was an amazing teacher and was an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed. Mr. Laird and Eric, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Shannon Tackitt
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Laird was always so kind and sweet. She will certainly be missed! Prayers and hugs to you both Mr. Laird and Eric.
I’m truly saddened to hear this.Mrs.Laird was an amazing teacher and will be greatly missed.My deepest sympathies,thoughts and prayers to Mr.Laird and Eric.
Mrs. Laird was an awesome teacher! She made believers of the ones who didn’t believe. She was always smiling and willing to help us through Economics and Government and most important life lessons. Thank you for blessing us with your teaching, love, and understanding. Mr. Laird and Eric, may GOD bless you and ease your hearts through this difficult time.
I am saddened to hear this news. Mrs. Laird was an amazing teacher who was always so kind to me. She instilled a love of government in me that I still have today. She will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you, Mr. Laird, and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and special teacher. It was an honor to teach with Peggy and Glover and am keeping family in my prayers. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were all blessed to know Peggy and have her in our lives.
Mr. Laird: I’m very sorry to learn of Mrs. Laird’s passing. I have fond memories of being in her class at Connally. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mrs Laird was one of my favorite teachers. Mr. Laird and Eric, my prayers are with you.
Me. Laird and Eric, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Laird was a wonderful person and teacher and a blessing for all of us who were lucky to have her as a teacher.
My condolences to Mr. Laird and Eric. Mrs. Laird was one of the best teachers I ever had–and she influenced so many other lives during her career as an educator. I will never forget the lessons I learned from her during senior government. She was always such a positive person and an excellent teacher and mentor. She will be greatly missed. Godspeed! Prayers sent to the Laird family.
Dear Mr. Laird,
While I did not have your wife in class, I want to pass along my condolences to you on your loss. Both of you were such wonderful people and bright spots at Connally, even if we didn’t have one of you for a particular class.
Mr. Laird and Eric
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Laird passing. She was truly a great educator who made life better for those she taught. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mrs. Laird was an incredible teacher and a beautiful woman. She touched so many lives with her sweet spirit and patience. This is a great loss to her family, friends and the students she taught through the years. I thank you Mrs. Laird for your influence in my life. God bless you and may He give your family the peace that only He can give during this time of grief.
Mrs. Laird was a great teacher. I hope that it is a comfort to her family to know she touched the lives of so many in such a positive way. My prayers and condolences to her friends and family.
Joe, thanks so much for posting this. My sister told me last week that Peggy was ill. I don’t remember if I have even seen her since I married and moved away from Golden Springs. I have fond memories of she and 2 others (whose names I cannot recall) singing together as I played the piano. That is a very special memory. I pray that the Lord will strengthen you and your family and I hope you will find comfort in the good memories.
Mr Laird,
Sincerest condolences on your loss. it was a privalege to have been a student of both you and Mrs Laird.
Mrs. Lard’s enthusiasm for teaching was a really positive inspiration to Connally High students. I appreciated
your science classes as well. Sending prayers to you, Eric and family.
Melinda Iley-Dohn
Peggy was a dear long-time friend and wonderful teacher who influenced many lives. Her legacy will live on in her students. Prayers for Glover, Eric and her family.
Our Dear Sweet Peggy. We are saddened about the loss of our friend; but know that she is in heaven singing with the angels. We could never have asked for greater people to live behind us than the Lairds. Peggy was always so good to our kids and Muffin (our cat). She had such a great love for people and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers our with Glover and Eric.
Mr. Laird, I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Laird’s passing. I was truly blessed to have been taught by both of you. I have many fond memories of being in both of your classes. I send to you and your family my most sincere condolences.
We did not know her but know Mr. Joe Garrett he is a friend in Scouting sorry for your loss will be praying for you & your Family. The Portwood Family.
I am so sorry to here of Mrs. Laird’s passing. She was a great teacher and was loved by all. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
I have nothing but good memories of Peggy. My prayers continue for Glover and Eric.
I had the pleasure and honor of having Mrs. Laird my senior year. I remember her as a great teacher, as was Mr. Laird for Chemistry. Her memory will live on in all of the students who had the pleasure of having her for a teacher. Even my daughter had her when she was in her senior year.
Dear Mr. Laird & Eric,
We just wanted to say how sorry we are to hear of Peggy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many pleasant memories from our time at Connally. She will be missed.
Kind regards,
Jennifer & Daniel Williamson
We are so saddened to learn of Peggy’s passing. She touched both our lives in many ways with her sweetness and grace as our teacher and mentor when I did my student teaching with her.
Peggy Laird was so kind and helpful to me when I was a novice teacher at Connally High School many years ago. No one could have been nicer. And, Glover, you also were a great encouragement to me. Peggy’s sweet presence will always be missed. May God give all of you strength and a double portion of His comfort and solace during this most difficult time. I am praying for you.
Peggy was a high school classmate of mine. I am proud to have had her as a friend. I know God has a special place in Heaven for her.
You have my condolences during your time of loss.
Peggy was a dear classmate of mine from grades 4-12. In high school we both thought we would we would pursue a career in broadcasting, but God had other plans for our lives. Peggy was a wonderful teacher and I have pastured for over forty years. May you folks sense the comfort, hope, and steadfastness that only God can supply at this time of great loss and grief!
Mr. Laird and Eric,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Laird was such a wonderful teacher and woman. May God bless you both.
Missy Niles-Beauchamp
Glover, Gracie and I express our condolences on Mrs. Laird’s passing. Peggy Laird is what all administrators look for, compassion for young people. Mrs. Laird was one of the best that I had the privilege of working with. On a day to day basis I would see students coming to her for help, not only academically but for real life situations. A great loss to the teaching profession. Glover, our prayers are with you, Eric and family.
George and Grace Banda
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Mrs. Laird was a very special person and teacher and I am glad to have had the privilege to know and work with her. May God give you his strength and comfort during this time.
Glover and Eric: I am so sorry to learn of Peggy’s death. I have such fond memories of times together at church. She was such a kind and thoughtful person with a crazy sense of humor. We had great fun! Her students have given rave reviews of her both as a teacher and friend. I know you are so proud of her and the life she lived.
Mr. Laird,
My prayers are with you during your time of loss. May you be comforted by the strength of God and friends and family that were touched by the life of your wife. What a wonderful testimony the two of you have shared wih all of us for your dedicated love to one another and your example of helping others.
God Bless,
Keith Patterson
To the Laird family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your wonderful wife and mom. Peggy was one of my favorite people, and a joy to be around. She was a great teacher and a positive influence on all her students. Her sense of humor and kindness always lifted my spirits, and I gravitated to her when i needed a kind word. Above all, she was a Godly woman and I will remember her always.
I am so sorry for your loss of Peggy. She was such a wonderful and precious lady. I am so thankful that I got to know and love her over the years. Her work in education allowed her to touch thousands of lives. Her work and love for WCBI touched souls. I rejoice with her at her final reunion – her homecoming at the feet of Jesus. Because we know where she is we know we will see her again. My love and prayers are with you all at this time.
Glover, I am so sorry for your loss of Peggy. It was always so much fun to be with Peggy because she was genuine, kind, interesting, fun and happy. I was always uplifted from the gifts of time spent with Peggy and with you. Eric, as you know, you had a very special Mother and I am so sorry for your loss. We do know where she is now and I will look forward to seeing Peggy again in heaven – laughing, singing and talking together.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Peggy was…well, Peggy was herself. I was privileged to live across the hall from her in the dorm at WCBI. She was a friend to all. I remember when we first learned she had a crush on you Glover. We loaned her all the “help” we could give. Remember what I think was your first date over at the McGuire’s? We all anxiously awaited the scoop. The world is a better place because she lived. We rise up and call her our friend. Your loss is heaven’s gain, but your hearts don’t know that yet. Our prayers, blessings, and love are yours.
Glover & Eric,
I am so sorry for your loss of Peggy. I am so thankful to have had you as my neighbor for the past 26 years. Peggy was truly a blessing for all who knew and loved her. May God give you strength, comfort and peace knowing that Peggy is rejoicing with the angels in heaven. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Eric during this difficult time.
Dear Glover Laird & Family: I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Peggy. I have such wonderful memories of you two at W.C.B.I. (1966-67). What I remember most about Peggy is that she was always smiling and friendly. That was important to a Freshman at college and 525 miles away from home (Laurel MS). I’ll remember Peggy and Glover always. Glover, at our 2011 W.C.B.I. Reunion, my husband, Jim, won a door prize and it was a wooden truck you had made. He loved it and it is sitting at his desk on the bookshelf. Thanks for the memories at W.C.B.I.
Love always, Jim and Barbara (Holifield) Easterling, Laurel MS (Class of 1966-67 W.C.B.I.)
I was so sorry to hear of Peggy’s death. May the Holy Spirit be your comforter in the days ahead.
We were saddened by your loss of Peggy. We remember her at WCBI with her beautiful smile and sweet spirit. Proverbs 10: 7 – “The memory of the just is blessed”. You have wonderful memories to cherish of her while she was here with you. May God’s comfort and grace be with you!
Glover & Eric, I’m so sorry for you loss. Peggy was a great woman. She was always kind & had a big smile to go with her big heart. Glover, I will never be able to repay the kindness that you and Peggy showed my mom through the hard times she had. I’m so Thankful that you guys are apart of my life, and so blessed, that you & Peggy are my God-Parents
Our hearts go out to you in your loss. You and Mrs. Laird have a special place in our hearts.
We thank God for both of your lives and the encouragement you gave to us. Praying that the Lord
will give comfort in the wonderful memories you made together.
Mr. Laird and Eric,
Thank you for sharing Mrs. Laird with so many seniors over the years at Connally. She touched so many of us and we all have our fond memories of her. I look back now and marvel at the patience that she exhibited with us, as we thought we were so ready for the adult world we were about to enter. She was a good influence on us and most of all, we learned from her, not just book learning but also about being better people.
I hope that you find comfort in the days to come from your memories and know that the world was made better by her time in it.
Glover and Eric our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you. Peggy will always be remembered as a beautiful Christian lady with a ready smile full of love from her heart to ours. Precious memories at Tehuacana!!! May God be with you and comfort you. Gaylon and Linda
Eric, what beautiful praises and such honor for a wonderful Mom with so many talents. May the many heartfelt expressions and opportunities of their lives being touch by your Mom, heal you and Dad in the days to come of the lost.
What a wonderful person with whom I got to know. In honor of her giving and sharing, I will do kindnesses for people that need help, thanks to her inspiration and life. Mom mentions her and Glover when I visit which has made an impression for me and will do so the rest of my life.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Laird family. Mrs. Laird was one of the huge influences on my interest in American Government and I will always be restful for that.
Peggy was a great lady because of her faith in Jesus Christ.
With Him, she was profoundly altered, and given a personality
much like an angel and exactly like her mother, Evie Garrett.
I am proud to be one of her double-first cousins. I pray that
Glover and Eric will cherish her memory; as I do.
Peggy was a great lady because of her faith in Jesus Christ.
With Him, she was profoundly altered, and given an angel-like
personality, much like her mother, Evie Garrett. I am proud
to be one of her double-first cousins. I am certain Glover and Eric
will cherish he memory, as I do.
My Condolences to Mr. Laird and your Son, Eric. I had Mrs. Laird for Zero hour Government my senior year. Class of ’81! Also for home room. She was so kind to me. I had a few surgeries my senior year and she always helped me stay caught up! She was a very caring lady and I have thought of her often over the years for her kindness. Mr. Laird, After a few years in the army I went on to major in Chemistry in College and then to Pharmacy School. You are the teacher who sparked my interest. When I think of your sweet wife a song comes to mind. “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love”
I hope your memories comfort you in this time of sadness and loss.