Peggy Graves Obituary

Peggy Ann Graves was born on February 11, 1941, in Norphlet, Arkansas, to the late Horace and Naomi Tate. She was raised with her six siblings in a loving household and accepted Christ at an early age, being baptized at New Providence Baptist Church.

She graduated from Smith High School in Norphlet, Arkansas. Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1962. She was married to the late William (Bill) Earl Graves.

Following her graduation, Peggy moved from Arkansas to Missouri with her former husband, Leo Sams. To that union, two children were born: Gregory LeNeal Sams and Tamara Deliese Sams. Her beloved daughter, Tamara, preceded her in death.

Peggy dedicated her life to education, spending her entire career in the state of Missouri. She began with the Parma City School System and served more than 30 years in the Kansas City Public School District. She was especially known as a dynamic fifth-grade teacher at Henry C. Kumpf Elementary School. Later, she taught sixth-grade Language Arts at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet Middle School. Even after retirement, Peggy continued to educate and mentor students through summer programs.

A faithful member of Bannister Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Dwight Scott. Friends fondly recall the time she provided enough fish to feed the entire congregation at a church fish fry.

Peggy loved fishing. She would often leave work, quickly change clothes, and head straight to the lake. She'd already have worms waiting in the car. She had an entire freezer stocked with fish, frozen in lake water to keep them fresh for friends and family to enjoy.

She also had a gift in the kitchen that brought people together. She was a great cook and frequently invited loved ones to her home for a big family meal. Her granddaughter, Hannah, especially cherished her "Grunny's" hot water cornbread and greens.

Family was everything to Peggy. She was known for her daily phone calls to her brothers and sisters. The phone calls started before dawn and continues until everyone heard from her at least four or five times. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering and unmatched.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Tamara; her brothers, Calvin Tate and Bruce Tate; and her brother-in-law, Charles Scurlock.

She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Gregory LeNeal Sams; grandchildren, Ethan Sams and Hannah Sams; great granddaughter, Liberty; sisters Marilyn Scurlock and Wanda Denise Wells (Kenny); brothers Donald Tate (Shirley) and Larry Tate (Linda); sisters-in-law Marie Tate and Margie Tate; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.