Joyce Evelyn Peggins, 75 of Laurel, MD, formerly of California, MD, died February 27, 2007 in Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park, MD.

Born September 4, 1931 in San Diego, CA, she was the daughter of the late Walter Edgar and Evangeline Smith Payne

Mrs. Peggins was a long-time resident of St. Mary's County, where she met and married her husband and raised her family. During her years of employment at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, she served as secretary for the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, Weapon Systems Test, Test Pilot School, and the Prowler Office. Her co-workers were often the beneficiaries of her talents in calligraphy and cake decorating. She was a long-time member of Patuxent River Assembly of God Church and was active in the pro-life movement, volunteering her time and talents with the Maryland Right to Life and Birthright organizations. No matter how busy she was, she always had time for her pride and joy—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the love of her life, her husband "Peg".

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James O. Peggins, Jr. and their four children; James O. Peggins, III of Laurel, MD, Janice Elaine Hinebaugh of Maysville, WV, John Walter Peggins of Laurel, MD, and Jeannie Ricketts of California, MD, sisters, Joan Marie Trainor of Calera, AL and Joanne Messick of Ridge, MD, 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Jason Comstock and her brother, Walter E. Payne, Jr.

A Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Patuxent River Assembly of God Church, in California, MD. Reverend Lanny Clark will conduct the service. Interment will follow in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Lexington Park, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Washington DC-MD Office, 1025 Connecticut Ave NW St 1005, Washington, DC 20036-4104.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.