Obituary of Martha Ann Peavy

We mourningly but joyously proclaim that on January 9, 2024, Martha Ann Peavy left her earthly confines to enter the glory of life everlasting with her Lord and Savior. To her many friends she was known as Martha Ann but to her family she was affectionately called “Lady” because there is not a finer Southern Lady known to mankind. Emily Post would have been proud. Lady’s formative years were shaped during her upbringing in Montezuma Georgia. Her mother Claudia was a devout Christian who would take Martha Ann with her as she traveled all over South Georgia teaching Bible classes. This experience set the foundation for Martha Ann’s love of teaching as she became a history teacher to numerous classes of students for over 30 years and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Barnesville, both of which she truly loved. Martha Ann was an athlete who loved to compete, earning All-State honors in basketball for her high school. She played so aggressively at times her mother threatened to make her quit basketball, but she never did quit. She was anything but a quitter.

She studied at several colleges after high school, including a business school in New York City before returning to Georgia to attend the University of Georgia. There she was a roommate with Peggy Peavy, who introduced Martha Ann to her brother John Peavy which led to John’s and Martha Ann’s marriage of 62 years. At age 32 she earned a college degree in education and at the age of 64 she earned her doctorate in education from the University of Georgia. After birthing three sons born in three different cities while following John’s jobs, they returned to John’s hometown Barnesville Georgia.

Lady’s greatest passion by far was her unwavering love and devotion to her husband Johnny and three boys Jay, Jim, and Jeff. Lady was the greatest mother on earth making sure her family was her all-encompassing priority. For that we will be forever grateful. Every weekend was filled with hours of fun family activities like tennis, golf, and you name it. Lady never missed a ballgame her boys played in. And you had better not talk bad about her boys unless you wanted to go to the mat. She lovingly supported her students by attending their sporting events to ensure they knew someone was rooting for them. Later in life, she loved playing golf with her friends at River Forest golf club. She had a very close connection of friends in Barnesville and elsewhere that she adored, and we truly thank them with all of our hearts for sticking by her side till the very end.

Three years ago, Lady was diagnosed with advanced MDS, a condition that limits the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. With her loving husband, family, and friends by her side, Lady fought the disease with tenacity and grace. Although it was difficult at times, Lady always cherished the time she had left with her family and friends. She never complained or took a woe is me attitude. Lady was extremely loyal, compassionate, loving, and caring to everyone she encountered in this life. Lady possessed fortitude like no other! If she said she would do it, she did it. Heaven has got a good one!!!

Martha Ann was born in Albany Georgia on March 27, 1940. She was predeceased by her parents Walter Harold Guest and Claudia Cheves Guest, brother W. H. (Buddy) Guest, Jr. and infant Mary Guest. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Peavy, her 3 sons and their spouses, John (Jay) Peavy Jr. (Allison), James (Jim) Peavy (Tracy), Jeff Peavy, her grandchildren Hailey Johnson (Ryan), Abbey Peavy (Caleb), Elle Aluri (Johnny), Madison Peavy, Hamilton Peavy, great granddaughter Charlotte Johnson, brother James (Mickey) Guest (Merry) and several nieces and nephews.

We would also like to thank the caring and devoted doctors and nurses at the various treatment facilities that provided loving care to Lady. You helped provide precious time which allowed us to enjoy Lady for as long as possible and we thank you so very much!

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Martha Ann Guest Peavy will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Barnesville with Reverend Jason Teal and Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 P.M. until the service hour at the church.

Those who wish, may leave an online condolence on our website, www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com

Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is proudly serving the Peavy family.