Peggy June Monroe

Peggy June Monroe (nee Tolson), age 90, of Luttrell, Tennessee, died on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Peggy was born at home in Halls CrossRoads on October 6, 1934. Her childhood was not easy, being raised on a farm without electricity or running water. As a child she attended and was a charter member of CrossRoads Presbyterian Church. With the strength of her extended family, she graduated from Halls High School in 1951 and attended nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital, graduating with an RN degree in 1955. After nursing school, she married Tom Monroe, a University of Tennessee graduate, and began a series of moves for his work until they settled in Brandywine, Maryland, where they stayed for 22 years. By this time, they welcomed 6 children, two boys and four girls. 

Although a country girl, she was a natural suburban housewife who organized neighborhood activities, led the 4H group, taught Sunday school, traveled, and was active with her Homemakers group. If a neighborhood kid was hurt, they ended up at the Monroe house for her first aid. She didn’t believe in wasting a day and started her day with a tight schedule and ended it with a good mystery novel. As the children grew older, Peggy returned to nursing, primarily working at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland. In 1989, the couple retired back home to Tennessee, where she designed their dream retirement home, built on Tom’s family property in Luttrell. They also returned to her home church.

 In retirement she cared for so many others, using her nursing skills to assist them. She loved to read, write poetry and short stories, craft, paint, and sew, making special handmade quilts for all the family. After 49 years of marriage, Tom passed away at age 69 in 2003. Peggy and Tom’s home in Luttrell has been an amazing place for their 19 grandchildren and current 10 great grandchildren to grow up in and visit. The home has playrooms, plenty of overnight guest space, a treehouse, a trampoline, a creek, swings, all wonderful for the many little visitors. In times of sickness, the home accommodated the care needs of Tom, and then Peggy till the very end. The home Peggy designed with her love is truly that to all the family—it is home. 

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Monroe Sr, parents Leston and Volena Tolson, baby brother Robinson Tolson, half-sister Barbara Jean Kitts, and brother Joseph Tolson.

 Peggy is survived by her children: Tom Monroe (Karen Jack), RoseMary Monroe (Mike McLain), Susie Bellows (William), John Monroe (Mary), Tricia Monroe, and Nancy Haley (Tim). She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren: Max Jack-Monroe, Elias Jack-Monroe, Theo Jack-Monroe, Shauna Hall (Pat), Donny DeMent, Gentry DeMent (Jennifer), Sarah Berry (Daniel), Tricia Humphrey (Clayton), Margaret Bellows, Nathan Bellows (Kristen), James Bellows, Tim Monroe (Holly), Tolson Bell, Shea Bell, Elena Bell, Thomas Haley, Debbie Jackson (Kevin), Annalee Haley (fiancé Bukie Walker), and Rachel Haley. Great grandchildren: Jules Torrice and Cooper Hall; Ella and Camden DeMent;  Abby and Kate Berry; Audrey, Rayna, Zarina, and Devereau Humphrey; and June Jackson (due in February). Peggy is survived by her brother and sister-in-law John and Maggie Tolson, sister- in-law Patricia McKelvey, sister-in-law Myrt Tolson, cousin Charles Collette (Sandy), and several nieces and nephews. Peggy also leaves behind her special friend of more than 50 years, Peggy McCormac. 

There will be a receiving of friends at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A family graveside service will take place the following day at 11:00 A.M. at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church in Luttrell, Rev. Robert Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Cross Roads Presbyterian Church and the Halls Food Bank.