Peggy Sue Earthman's Obituary
Earthman, Peggy Sue was born on September 6, 1937 and passed away on October 5, 2024 at the age of 87. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Alta and Eldon Earthman, who were originally from Celina, Texas, where they owned farm land. Alta was a teacher and Eldon was in the banking business until their move to Dallas, where Eldon entered the automobile industry. He owned Eldon Earthman Used Car Dealership for 60 years until his retirement at 90 years of age.
Peggy attended schools in DISD her entire life. She went to Robert E. Lee Elementary, Alex A. Spence Junior High and North Dallas High School, where she was on the drill team.
Upon graduation in 1955, Peggy considered a business degree and spent one semester at the University of Texas. However, just as it had been with her mother, the calling for an education degree was strong, so Peggy transferred to SMU and graduated in 3 ½ years with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She was also a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
On September 8, 1958, Peggy began her elementary teaching career in DISD. She taught at Victor H. Hexter 6 years, S.S. Conner 25 years and George W. Truett for 10 years.
She later earned a Master’s of Elementary Supervision degree from North Texas.
During her 42-year teaching career, Peggy was honored with both Texas and National PTA Lifetime Membership awards. She was also honored with the Ross Perot Outstanding Teaching Award and the Teacher of the Year Award.
Peggy loved the everyday excitement of the elementary classroom and chose to remain there instead of pursuing a superior position. She loved taking children on field trips and coordinating writing activities from their experiences.
Peggy spent 20 years volunteering at Baylor Hospital, where she was honored as Top Tier Volunteer. After retirement she volunteered at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for 17 years. She kept in touch with children there and popped popcorn and helped with annual bazaars.
Gardening, First Monday Trade Days in Canton and estate sales were a large part of Peggy’s life. She was a longtime member of Munger Place United Methodist Church and later joined Highland Park Methodist Church.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Alta Earthman, and her sister, Martha King. She is survived by two longtime friends of over 50 years, Davanel Fitzgerald and Yvonne Slovacek, as well as a nephew, Jason King, and a niece, Kimberly Bush.
A visitation will be held Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral services are Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Restland Memorial Chapel with a reception to follow.
Memorials can be made to Scottish Rite Hospital: 2222 Welborn St, Dallas, TX 75219
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