Mrs. Peggy Joyce Wheeler Manning

ROCKY MOUNT – Peggy Joyce Wheeler Manning, age 82, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025.  Born in Edgecombe County, NC on December 5, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Wheeler and Maude Davis Wheeler.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James Ray Manning; and her brother, Bobby Ray Wheeler.

Peggy was a woman of unwavering faith, remarkable work ethic, and gentle grace.  She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to Epstein’s Clothing, where she built lasting relationships through her diligence and kindness.  Following her time there, she helped establish and worked for many years at Englewood Carpetland, a role she held with great pride and commitment.  Remarkably, Peggy never truly retired—her strong spirit and sense of purpose kept her working faithfully until just a few weeks ago.  A devoted follower of Christ, Peggy was a longtime member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, which later merged with Cornerstone Community Church and is now known as Riverbend Church.  She remained deeply involved in the life of the church through each chapter of its journey, faithfully serving and worshiping the Lord she so dearly loved.  Outside of work and church, Peggy found great joy in the beauty of God’s creation.  She especially loved birds, with a special fondness for hummingbirds, and delighted in watching them zip through her yard.  She also had a cherished collection of angels, which adorned her home and reflected her heavenly hope and tender heart.  Her life was marked by quiet strength, deep devotion, and a love that reached everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.

Peggy is survived by her son, Michael R. Manning and wife, Michelle; her grandchildren, Derek Manning and wife, Brooke, Nicholas Manning, Natalie Manning Benjamin and husband, Jacoby; her great-grandchildren, James Michael Manning, Nolan James Benjamin, and Nova Rae Lane; and her brother, Marvin Ernest Wheeler.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Randall Smith and Dr. Steve Webb officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.