Peggy Jo McBrayer (Wilson), CMA, ASN, RN

On August 14, 2026, Peggy was welcomed into heaven by her Redeemer, Christ Jesus after a long and fruitful life of eighty-six years. Peggy is survived by her treasured daughter, Katherine, her much loved grandson, Laithen (Paige), and her great granddaughter, Hunter. She is also survived by her brothers, John Sr., Thomas (Ellen), James (Jan), many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins in Southern Illinois and dear friends. Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, John, her precious son, Howard and much loved daughter-in-law, Glenda, her parents, Woodrow and Lola, her infant sister, Dolores, Wilson sisters-in-law, Alice and Patsy, her McBrayer in-laws, Howard (Naomi), Robert (Wanda), William (Connie), George (Sue), and Barbara. Peggy was born at home in Harrisburg, Illinois on March 13, 1940 to Edward Woodrow Wilson and Lola Mae Wilson (Johnson). She was the third of their five children. She grew up within a close extended family in Southern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Her faith walk with God began early. She accepted Christ at the age of seven at a Salvation Army revival service in Harrisburg. She still had the engraved bible she was given that night. Peggy retained that child-like faith and trust in Christ her entire life. On December 6, 1956, during a chance meeting, Peggy met the love of her life, John McBrayer. On August 6, 1957, John and Peggy eloped accompanied by her big brother and sister-in-law, John and Alice Wilson. They were married before a Justice of the Peace in Corinth, Mississippi. Their elopement did interrupt her formal education. Attending night school, she was awarded a diploma from Hobart High School in 1963. Peggy completed a technical certificate in Medical Assisting in 1979 from Indiana Vocational Technical College. Peggy then completed an Associate Degree in Nursing from Indiana University Northwest in 1983. In area facilities, Peggy worked in area hospitals, long term skilled nursing care and administration, and home health care. She was gifted with a "healing touch". Her nursing career spanned 22 years before her medical retirement in 2000. Family and service was at the core of Peggy's life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. She was the ready hands to help in times of crisis. Peggy and John could always be counted on to be there for the people that they cared about. Life was always busy for Peggy. During their first year of marriage, John and Peggy built their first home in Portage. In September of 1958, they welcomed their daughter, Katherine. In December of 1960, they were delighted in the birth of their son, Howard. Their family was complete.