Peggy Lou Lesley

June 22, 1931 - June 10, 2022

Peggy Lou Lesley 6/22/31 - 6/10/22 Wow! What a life! Even at almost 91, my mother was feisty and full of spirit. She was also full of love for those around her - her family, especially her 3 grandchildren, her dear friends near and far, and her community. She volunteered long hours at Gayle's Kitchen, a homeless outreach program at her church, Oak Lawn United Methodist, even at the age of 89. Covid resulted in a move to North Carolina to be closer to family. Although never sick from Covid, it left her sick at heart that she had to stop volunteering. Mother kept Hallmark in business. She never missed anyone's birthday or special occasion. She loved making people feel special with a handwritten note. She also warmed their bellies with her yummy banana bread. She always remembered who liked nuts and who didn't. Let's face it, she remembered everything! At almost 91, her memory was sharp as a tack. Everyone called my mother when they needed to recall an event or name. Just last week, she gave me a family history lesson. Now we will never forget her and the great memories we all share. She impressed on us the value of volunteerism, even receiving The Yellow Rose of Texas award for her service. (Read about her award at www.cavin-cook.com. Click on the photos and videos tab and then click on Peggy's photo and the letter of recommendation will appear.) She was a loyal friend. She was young at heart. Many of her dearest friends were half her age. I am a better mother because of her lifelong example of unselfish, unwavering commitment to family. Her move to NC in 2020 was such a gift. Her grandkids loved their time with Mimi! She died peacefully holding my hand in her home here. She leaves behind a hole in the hearts of her daughter, Stacy Lesley, her son-in-law Colin Bryan and her grandchildren Sydney, Cooper and Anascott. We will fill that hole with sweet memories. Mother spent 89 years in Texas, 2 in Davidson, NC, and now eternity in heaven with my daddy Sidney Lesley. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Lesley family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com. The Yellow Rose of Texas award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the governor's office to women in Texas in recognition of their exceptional community service. Peggy Lesley received this award on June 23, 2021. Please read the touching nomination letter written by her daughter, Stacy. Dear sir/madame, It is my great honor to recommend my mother, Peggy Lou Lesley, for consideration as a Yellow Rose of Texas. Mother was born in Waco, Texas on June, 22, 1931 and lived there as a young child. With stops in Austin and San Antonio, she finally landed in Dallas where she lived most of her adult life. As the daughter of a widow, my mother saw struggle growing up. Her father died when she was only two and her mother was forced to go to work, often leaving her two small girls at home. They lived in boarding houses and with family but they always had each other. I believe this is what drove her to help others and to have such a generous, giving spirit. My entire life, I have known my mother to be a VOLUNTEER. Every child and teacher in my school knew my mother because she was always involved. She was an active member of PTA, serving on the board for my twelve years and beyond. I say beyond because she remained active in the school's PTA even after I graduated. She said they needed more parents willing to serve. She helped plan and organize proms for three classes but only one of them was mine. For her dedicated and unwavering commitment, she was awarded Life Membership in the PTA. Her service didn't stop there. She was also a Sunday school teacher for 3-4 year olds and chaperoned youth trips at our church. She was our church secretary, too. The senior adults in our congregation would visit her daily and sit in the cold, hard folding chair next to her desk for hours just to talk. They were lonely and she always had a kind, listening ear. She took time to visit no matter how busy her day. Her greatest passion has been serving the homeless in the Dallas community. After moving to the Turtle Creek area and joining Oak Lawn Methodist Church, she became very active in a project to feed the homeless called Gayle's Kitchen. She is quick to say this is not a "soup kitchen." She took great pride in the fact that they served a delicious home cooked meal every Sunday to their homeless neighbors. It included a fresh salad, hot entrée, fresh baked bread, and homemade dessert. Guests were served on nice tablecloths and they were made to feel special. My mother spent hours every Sunday preparing the room and the food. She loved being part of the team that greeted their guests every week. She looked forward to seeing the familiar faces and would worry about their health and safety if they missed a few weeks. When I would visit with my children, she would proudly introduce us to her homeless friends that she was serving and had served for years. In addition to the full day Sunday, she would also drive to Panera Bread midweek to pick up their donation to Gayle's Kitchen. After serving on Sunday, she would then drive to another community outreach center on Monday to donate any of the remaining bread and pastries. Mother never lets anything go to waste! Did I mention that she was doing ALL of this in her 80's!!! My mother turns 90 tomorrow! Another thing that makes my mother special is what an open heart and inclusive mind she has at her age. When she moved to her new community, she was introduced to a group of people that her life had never intersected with. She developed dear friendships with people half her age in the LGBTQ community. She became a "mother" to a wonderful group of new friends that adore her. She would volunteer with her church passing out hundreds of water bottles on hot days during the Pride parade. She was always a welcoming smile to EVERYONE who visited her church. However, my mother's most conspicuous show of kindness is her banana bread! Her oven is always on, baking her delicious bread. She gives it to people - "just because." There are people in her building who don't even know her name but know her as the "banana bread lady." She loves how her freshly baked bread warms bellies and hearts! She also brings smiles to people by sending cards. She NEVER forgets a birthday or special occasion. She just has a knack for reminding others that they are being thought of. She makes frequent trips to the post office to mail her bread and cards. Really, she is just sending people bundles of love through the mail. Mother certainly makes an impact on those that she meets even at the ripe old age of 90! During the pandemic, she had to move to North Carolina to be with me, her only living family. Although heartbroken to leave her home in Texas, she is busy making friends here. She is eager to resume some normalcy because she wants to volunteer here, too. She is making the most of her new life post pandemic and post stroke but her heart and soul remain deep in the heart of Texas! She still maintains property there so that she still has her own little piece of home. My mother has been a lifelong model to me of what kindness looks like when it is lived. I volunteer because she taught me to volunteer. She has impacted so many lives in her 90 years and will continue to have an impact through the younger generation that she has influenced. My mother is just a very simple lady with a BIG heart making a BIG difference in the lives of so many. I can think of no better way to honor this significant birthday than with this special recognition of her lifelong service to her community. I believe she embodies the true spirit of the Yellow Rose of Texas. Thank you for considering her and all that she has done. Sincerely, Stacy Lesley, DDS