Peggy Jo Akins Helton died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 24, 2020, in Tallahassee, Florida. Peggy was born on August 28, 1936, on her family’s farm in Booneville, Alabama, where she was raised, in the western part of Escambia County. She was the 4th of 7 children. One of her most treasured possessions was a watercolor painting she commissioned of the family’s barn. After graduating from Atmore High School, she earned a B.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Peggy met the love of her life, Joseph Monroe Helton, Sr., while employed in her first teaching job near his home in Baldwin County, Alabama. After their wedding, Peggy returned to Hattiesburg with Joe and earned her second USM degree, an M.S. in Education. They remained lifelong Southern Miss fans, and one of their favorite retirement past times was holding season football tickets and regularly attending football games.

From Hattiesburg, Peggy and Joe moved to Milton, Florida, in 1963, where they both served as teachers at Milton High School until their retirement. Peggy was a teacher, guidance counselor, and the coordinator of the diversified cooperative training program. She loved teaching and helping her students. Peggy remained active in the Santa Rosa County Retired Educators Association, Inc. In addition, Peggy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Milton and the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. She was also a prayer warrior and prayed for many members of the congregation on a regular basis.

Peggy was a strong and independent woman who served as a positive role model, especially for the younger women in her family and community. She loved sports--her favorite teams were the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Alabama Crimson Tide, Chicago Cubs, and New Orleans Saints. She also loved to travel. Taking advantage of their long summer breaks, she and Joe travelled the country with their son Joey. When their son left Milton to start his career, they continued to travel as a couple. After Joe died, Peggy continued to tour; her most memorable vacation was the trip she took to Ireland with her grandchildren, Jay and Sarah, and her niece Lynn Helton. She also loved to sew--she made a special trip to Tallahassee to teach Sarah’s girl scout troop so they could earn their sewing badge. Even though her grandchildren grew up in Tallahassee, Peggy was a regular fixture at Jay and Sarah’s games, recitals, concerts, and musicals. She loved her family dearly, and she loved learning about her heritage and family history.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband Joe, to whom she was married for 52 years. She was also predeceased by her parents Harry and Annie Clyde Akins; her sister Mary Zelm; and her brothers Jack, Leon, Paul, and Bruce Akins. She is survived by her son Joseph M. Helton, Jr., his wife Mary Anne, and their two children Jay and Sarah; and her brother Clarence and his wife Bobby. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who were very special to her.

There will be a private funeral service for the family, which will be live streamed at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Arrangements by Lewis Funeral Homes in Milton, FL. Pall Bearers will be her Akins nephews Tim, Dan, Jack, Harry, Micky, Meador, and John Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the United Methodist Children’s Home for Girls in Milton. Any check should be made out to UMCH-Milton Girls, and mailed to 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 235, Montgomery, AL 36106.