Thelma P. Pegues
May 13, 1921 - May 10, 2012
Obituary
Thelma Pauline Pegues was born May 13, 1921 in Hattiesburg Mississippi to Reverend Eugene Jacobs and Louvenia Putman Jacobs. She graduated from Wendell Phillips H.S., Chicago IL and received a B.A. from Dillard University, New Orleans, LA and a B.S.N. and M.N. from the University Of Washington, Seattle WA. Her professional excellence was an immense achievement for an African-American woman during that era. In 1942 she married J.D. Pegues (1917 – 1981). Thelma started her career at Harborview as a Charge Relief Nurse in Pediatrics, continued at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital as Supervisor of In-Service Education, and after 17 years she retired as a Med/Surg Nurse Instructor from Seattle Central Community College in 1986. Thelma was a member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, received the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Legend of Nursing award, and was later inducted into the Washington State Nursing Association Hall of Fame.
From her arrival in Seattle in 1943, Thelma’s spiritual and church home has been Mount Zion Baptist Church. Here she sang alto in the Sanctuary Choir, served as Sunday School Superintendent for ten years, Women’s Ministries President for two years, and the Priscilla Circle Leader.
Honoring her determination to continually learn new things and to share her information and knowledge with others, Thelma gave willingly to the greater community. She has been a long standing and dedicated member of public service organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization. During the 1960’s she was a Camp Fire Girl Troop Leader and Nurse. She was an AARP volunteer for nine years conducting training sessions throughout the United States and four years as Assistant State Director. Thelma tutored and coached a succession of graduate nurses over a 25-year period who had previously failed state board exams – and virtually all passed with flying colors. Thelma also participated in the English as a Second Language Program.
For the past two years Thelma resided independently, with a sharp mind and in remarkable health, at the Exeter House in Seattle, here she was a delight to all who knew her.
Thelma cherished her four children: Linda Pegues Leverett, Cheryl, Harvey, and Rodger Pegues, was active in the lives of her four grandsons: Terrance and Dalyn Bell, Johnathan Leverett and Eugene Pegues, and her granddaughter Sophia Pegues. She will be dearly missed by her family and a host of friends.
A Recipe of Joy
Sunny, Funny, and Loving with a dash of Charm
Resilient, Vivacious and Kind add a sprinkle of Volunteer Time
Educated, Intellectual and Proficient plus a heap of Common Sense
Competent, Tireless and Unforgettable with a pinch of accomplishments
Toss in
Self-possessed
Good Humor
And stir up the ingredient that make up our Mother
Mrs. Thelma P. Pegues
I will cherish the last time I visited Seattle and Thelma graciously offered her home for me to stay with her during my entire visit. We had a good time talking and catching up with the latest news about our families and what the two of us were doing in our lives. I will miss seeing her when I visit Seattle again and the Christmas cards she always sent me with a nice letter included. My prayers are with you, Linda, Cheryl, Harvey, Rodger, and the grandchchildren.
Dearest Cheryl and family – I didn’t know your mother but after reading her obituary, I feel as if I do. For all her accomplishments (and she had so many!!), her greatest has to be her children. I remember you, Cheryl, from high school – fun, cheerful, laughing, accomplished. Your Mom raised a good daughter (and the other three, as well). My Mom’s visitation was Friday also and I saw your Mom in the chapel, but didn’t know who she was. I’m sorry if I missed seeing you. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless you and your Mom. Maybe both our Moms have now met each other and can chat about their daughters! Linda
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.