Peggy Whitfield

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Peggy Masters Whitfield was born on her family farm, four miles north of Stockton, Mo., on August 15, 1929, to John D. and Birtie J. Masters. She departed this life to be with her Lord on October 26, 2023. She was the youngest of four children.

Peggy attended rural elementary schools and helped on the family farm in her younger years. She attended El Dorado Springs and Stockton High Schools, graduating from Stockton High School in 1947. She then attended Southwest Baptist College from 1947 to 1948. Peggy accepted an elementary teaching position at Virgil, Mo., and taught there from 1948 to 1949.

In the summer of 1948, she met James L. (Jim) Whitfield who became the love of her life. They were married at Caplinger Mills, Mo., on May 29, 1949. To the union were born two children, Julie Ann Whitfield, Oronogo, Mo., and James D Whitfield, Jefferson City, Mo., who both survive. Jim preceded her in death in 2019. They enjoyed a wonderful and blessed 70 years of marriage together.

After their marriage in 1949, they resided in El Dorado Springs. Due to Jim's work with the University of Missouri Extension Service, they moved to Bolivar Mo., in 1954, to Clinton Mo., in 1959, and to Columbia, Mo., in 1965. Jim had the opportunity to obtain his doctorate degree in 1968 and the family moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where Jim earned his doctorate degree from Florida State University in 1970. The family then returned to Missouri and resided in Jefferson City until Jim's retirement in 1982 from the University of Missouri. In 1983, Peggy and Jim moved to Jim's family farm located near Oronogo, Mo.

Peggy was known for her warm and caring heart. She loved her Lord so very deeply. Her family was the light of her life. She worked tirelessly to see that they were cared for and had what they needed. She enjoyed many of life's treasures. Her cooking ability was next to none and her cherry pies were renowned. Peggy loved to see things grow on the farm, especially her flowers and kittens. She also loved to see and take care of the family horses. And seeing other wildlife was a joy to her. She enjoyed playing dominoes, doing jigsaw puzzles, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball team games with Jim. And she absolutely adored the family pet poodle, "Reign", and he adored her. He spent much of his day on her lap.

Words cannot do justice to what Peggy's loss means to her family and friends. Her down-to-earth, logical, and intelligent approach to life's matters was exemplary. She was so very selfless and supportive. Peggy was a very loving person and always tried to do "the right thing". God bless Peggy and there is no doubt she has already joined Jim in heaven and is in Jesus' loving arms.

Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service will be held for Peggy at the Stockton City Cemetery at 1 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023. The arrangements are being made at the direction of Simpson Funeral Home, Webb City, Mo. Due to ongoing health concerns, it is requested that those attending her service observe social distancing protocols and the wearing of protective masks.




Those wishing to honor Peggy with a gesture of love may do so with flowers or by making a memorial contribution in her memory to the Christian Broadcasting Network.