Peggy Fortune Farmer

Peggy Fortune Farmer, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, was reunited with her husband, Bill, and son, Ricky, in Heaven on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Daughter of the late Richard Sherman Fortune and Chalma Sullivan Fortune, she was born the second eldest of six children on June 14, 1933, in Greenville, SC. Though small in stature, Peggy had an enormous aptitude for learning and was often found indoors reading her precious books.

From a young age, Peggy displayed a keen intellect and a love of science, graduating from Paris High School and harboring dreams of a career in medicine.

At the tender age of 14, petite freshman Peggy Fortune spied a tall and handsome young man named William Spurgeon Farmer, Jr. standing nearby. She felt her heart flutter and knew he was someone special. Disappointed he had failed to notice her, she summoned the courage to approach the senior student, casually walked up, and kicked him in the shin. Her bold endeavor proved successful and the rest, as they say, was history. Bill and Peggy became devoted soul mates and the young couple married on April 9, 1950 in Greenville, SC.

Peggy and Bill were overjoyed to learn she was expecting their first child. The premature birth of their son, Ricky, presented Peggy with unforeseen challenges yet she faced them with unwavering strength and determination, advocating for her tiny baby and his uncertain future. She vowed to love him above everything else and do whatever was necessary to provide for his care.

The absence of education and resources for parents of children with special needs in the Upstate ignited a fire in both Bill and Peggy Farmer. They committed their time and talents to lobbying for positive change in South Carolina to improve the lives of the mentally and physically disabled. Peggy’s sharp mind and commanding presence helped her advocate for her son and make speeches to law makers. She and Bill lobbied not only for funding for research but also for protection of the rights of this underserved population.

A dedicated member of Hampton Heights Baptist Church and the Jim Kelly Sunday School Class, Peggy’s faith was a guiding light in her life. She found joy in serving her community, taking on leadership roles in various organizations, including the Crescent Community Club, General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), Greenville Garden Club, Buxton Community Club (Past President), and Crescent Avenue Women’s Club (Past President).

Alongside her husband Bill, Peggy was very active with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University. She volunteered to host gatherings and organize events for the students and instructors and when time allowed, enjoyed personally taking part in the educational offerings.

Peggy’s fervent passion for improving the lives of individuals led her to actively serve on the board of “Thrive Upstate,” previously known as the Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

In her leisure time, Peggy enjoyed creating delicious meals, exploring the outdoors during camping trips, and basking in the serenity of their beach property in Garden City with her family. Together, Peggy and Bill fueled Ricky’s curiosity, assisting him in finding alternative means of communication, which ultimately allowed him to learn sign language and engage more fully with the world around him.

Peggy’s spirit is forever cherished in the hearts of her surviving family and friends, especially her youngest sister, Jerri Dailey and husband, George; sister-in-law, Wilma Fortune; special grandson, Jonathan Roach and his mother, Sharon Roach; dearest family friends, Marlene Halbert and family; as well as a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her treasured son, Richard “Ricky” Anthony Farmer on November 18, 2020 and beloved husband of 71 years, William “Bill” Spurgeon Farmer, Jr. on March 25, 2022, as well as four siblings, Tex R. Fortune, Ginger Fortune Lowe, Martha Fortune Keller, and Rex C. Fortune.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown and then invited to pay their respects at her visitation immediately following the service.

Those unable to attend the service can view the livestream by clicking on the “WATCH LIVESTREAM” button located on the main obituary page.

To honor Peggy’s memory, please consider donating to the church she loved, Hampton Heights Baptist Church, 2511 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29615, and the organization that gave so much to her son, Thrive Upstate, PO Box 17467, Greenville, SC 29606, https://thriveupstate.org/mission/.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

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