Peggy Joann Shafer

Peggy Keas Shafer
January 21, 1934 to June 15, 2018

Peggy Joann Shafer (nee Keas) passed Friday night of June 15, 2018. Peggy’s family will receive guests beginning at 1pm visitation on Saturday, June 23, 2018, followed by the Memorial Service at 2pm at First Baptist Church, College Station. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center, Bryan-College Station.

She was born to Standifer and Ona Keas on January 21, 1934, in Elk City, Oklahoma, and spent her early life in Dill City, Oklahoma, among a large extended Keas family. After moving to Harrah, Oklahoma, during junior high she was active in numerous school organizations and won a State of Oklahoma piano contest during high school. After entering Oklahoma A&M in 1952 she found a lot to do among honor societies, led Religious Emphasis Week, was active in the Baptist Student Union, as well as being homecoming queen in 1954.

Peggy married Carl Shafer June 24, 1956, and remained with her life partner for almost 62 years. Moving for a short stay with Carl in the Army to Ft. Monmouth, NJ, in 1957 and then to Penn State for four years where two sons appeared. They arrived in Bryan/College Station in 1962 to set up housekeeping next to the 7,500 Texas Aggies. Her career during the College Station years included helping establish Brushy Day Care Center west of town, administrator and care giver at Sheltering Arms in Bryan, teaching a singles Sunday School Class, teaching at St. Thomas Early Learning Center, and retired after several years as director of CSISD Head Start. She earned a Master’s degree from Texas A&M during her 50’s and wore the ring.

She was a hugger and loved everyone, particularly kids.   She loved the beach, reading, travel and cooking. She mentored many young women regarding their faith which was primary in her life. She wrote numerous prayer grams to numerous people during her 55 years at College Station First Baptist Church. She was generous to a fault, “do you want some, too?” She touched a lot of lives and brought lots of joy.

Survived by the obit’s author and husband, Carl, two sons, Scott and wife Debe with children Jye and wife Jess, and Hallie, Todd and wife Jenny and daughter Lauren. Brother-in-law David Shafer and wife Karen and daughter Diedra and husband Brandon Kistler and boys Fain and Ewing.

Well, babe, I’ll miss seeing you at the breakfast table enjoying a Coco Loco bacon/potato taco watching the birds eat large volumes in the backyard. And, hey, what about the daily dose of the Bold and The Beautiful, wasn’t that a kick. Ha. You left a heck of a hole in your family’s life and are so loved, See ya later.

Heartfelt thanks to Comfort Keepers and Encompass Hospice for their support during this journey. In lieu of flowers the family suggests you consider a donation to some of the organizations Peggy supported: Voices for Children or Brazos Valley Food Bank.

 

Express condolences at CallawayJones.com

Condolences

  1. Thoughts are with the Shafer family. Peggy was a wonderful lady. We will miss her.

    Joyce and Peter

  2. Peggy was such a sweet lady. I know you will miss her. I was fortunate to be able to know her through her work with young children many years ago. I send you prayers for peace.

  3. In all my travels and the great folks that I have meet and have known, Peggy will always stand out and have a special place. A True Beautiful Gracious Lady that cared and Loved her family deeply and showed such a concern for others. I will never forget her wonderful forever smile. I know that her parents, my Great Uncle Stan and Great Aunt Ona instilled in her the Holy faith that she lived out everyday of her lovely life. I am sad because of the news of her passing, but I’m also excited and thrilled because of her new life she has with Christ and the joyous reunion with her parents and loved ones that have gone on before. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this difficult time and I asked that the Spirit of God comfort and be with you all.

  4. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Peggy. I don’t believe I ever met here in person, but have heard many good things about Peggy through my involvement with Junction 505. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cindy Hurt

  5. I am saddened to learn of Peggy’s passing and offer my condolences to her family, and especially to Scot and Debbie. I pause to remember a gracious and loving woman who had a positive impact on so many young children. Being a teacher-especially a preschool teacher- is to shape the future. I also remember running into Peggy at Mimi’s house (Robin’s mother) where she sat next to Mimi and held her hand and talked to her, when Mimi was in the clutches of Alzheimer’s.

  6. What sad news, to hear of Peggy’s death. My deepest condolences to Carl and all of her family and close friends. Peggy’s strength, warmth, creativity, determination, energy, and faith have meant so much to those who have known her through the decades, and to those who have benefited from her work with young children. We will truly miss her. May the faith of all your family comfort you and assure you that you will all be together again.

  7. I am so sad about the loss of our dear Peggy. She became a friend between 10-15 years ago and I will miss her sense of humor, her sweet thoughtfulness, and her kindness to everyone she met.
    Wishing peace to Carl and her family. Nancy Hardeman

  8. Such sad news!. Peggy was a warm, vibrant woman. I hope Carl and the rest of the family can take comfort in their memories of happier times.

  9. I am sorry to hear of the passing of Peggy. She always made me smile and would say something pleasant to me when I saw her at school when we taught at Oakwood. Prayers and peace to the family.

  10. We are so saddened to hear about Peggy! She was so welcoming and gracious when we moved into the neighborhood many years ago and would always greet you with a smile and genuine warmth. Anytime I would run into her somewhere, it was like greeting an old friend. She will be sorely missed but live greatly in the memories of so many people. What a great lady!
    Our prayers are with her whole family, for peace, comfort, and thankfulness for having been loved by Peggy.

  11. Carl, Scott and Debe,
    Were sorry to get the news. She will be missed by many people in town.
    Jerry & Carole Cooper

  12. I have such fond memories of Peggy through the years… I have a fuzzy memory of playing with Todd and Scott in your old house and pre-school with Peggy. I’m glad to have had the chance to drop by in October. Mom, Susan and I are thinking of all of you and sending our best wishes.

  13. Peggy I was honored to have you as a godmother. You always knew exactly what to say and was such an encourager. You will be missed! I love you!

  14. We are both joyful that we were so fortunate to know Peggy but that means we feel her loss so keenly. Peggy made the world better every day she lived in it. Sher was joy, she was love. Our prayers to Scott, Debbie, Todd and Jenny, and all the precious grands, and especially to Carl. Love you all much, gwen

  15. Mrs Shafer was my kindergarten teacher at St Thomas in 1966. Other than my mom, she was the most influential person of my childhood. We also attended church with her at First Baptist in the ’60s & early ’70s. She was love & kindness personified. I had the privilege of reconnecting with her after decades when we moved away, & will cherish the coffee date with she & Mary Bassett. I will be forever grateful that she came to the ICU at St Joe’s in July 2015 when she found out that my dad had an almost fatal brain injury. She stood at his bedside & prayed even though she had likely not seen him in years. Her philosophy of early childhood education & her deep respect for children impacted countless young lives & families in our community. I am deeply saddened by this news. She passed away on my birthday, a day that I intentionally walked past St Thomas ELC & reminisced about those unforgettable days of kindergarten over 50 years ago, with the best kindergarten teacher the world has ever known. I was completely unaware that she was ill. She is now in the glorious presence of Jesus…the one she loved so dearly. My sincere prayers & condolences to Dr Shafer & family.

  16. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We are out of town and will not be available to attend.

    Blessings,
    Fred and Leatrice Bouse

  17. We are saddened by the loss of Peggy Shafer. She was one of the original founders and longtime supporter of the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. She was a lovely woman who touched so many lives with her joy and generosity.
    Please accept our deepest sympathy.

  18. Peggy has been one of the most gracious and loving women I have known over the years! She and I were Peggy and the Other Peggy in our group of “Fun Club” friends. As others have said, she always made you feel like the most important person in her day!
    I pray that knowing they had an angel in their misdt for so many years will comfort her family as they grieve their loss but cherish the memories!

  19. Our condolences to the Shafer family, especially to Peggy’s husband Carl and to Scott and Debbie. Peggy was a remarkable woman – loving, kind, caring – a beautiful woman. CASA (Voices for Children) was very important to her. Peggy and I were both members of the FUN Club and shared many hours of laughter and good times over the years together – she will be very much missed by her FUN Club sisters. I agree with the note above mine – Peggy was a lovely woman who touched many lives with her joy and her generosity. She will be missed and remembered by her family and friends.

  20. Carl and family,
    You all are in my heart and prayers.
    Peggy was an angel in my life, one of God’s given blessings to many people. I will forever treasure the memories of her care and love for people in all walks of life.
    I will forever treasure all the cards and letters she shared with me, especially the Christmas letters.
    God’s love,
    Ocie Manley

  21. What a memory of years- a beautiful, sharing and caring spirit of Peggy Shafer ! On behalf of the Brushey Community and my parents; Tommy & Jessie Ellis, I bow in humble compassion and sympathy to Dr. Carl Shafer and his family. Thanks for supporting her giving also to the Brazos Valley African American Museum during “My Mama Said” fundraisers where you both attended. My cakes were small in deep appreciation of you’ll kindness. Cherish her refined smile!

    With Peggy’s transition, she is now your angel.

    I trust that God’s light will continue to surround you, God’s love enfolds you, and most of all- His presence watches over you and yours every second of the day.

    Blessings & Much Love!

    Joyce

  22. I was so sorry to read about Peggy’s passing. I would have done something for her if I had known. She was one of the finest Christian ladies I’ve ever known. She was beautiful inside and out! I rejoice for her being in heaven but grieve for our loss here on earth. My condolences to her family.

  23. Clearly, a life well-lived. Very best wishes to family members and to all who were so blessed as to have known Mrs. Shafer.

  24. Shafer family – you’ve been my home away from home for most of my life in C/S. This is strongly due to Peggy and Carl who showed me what faith looks like. ( and a lot of laughs). Peg will remain a spiritual mentor. May grace triumph over the grave and your hearts be comforted knowing her peace and great joy is real. My Love to you all.

  25. Carl, please accept my condolences for your loss of a gracious and loving partner. I always enjoyed talking with her at Westerners and other occasions. Your obit in the Eagle was one of the best I’ve ever read. I’m sure you’ll meet again.
    Rodger

  26. Carl,
    We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered
    with the loss of your beloved Peggy. Peggy was the best example of a true Christian
    lady that we have ever met. Peggy’s infectious smile always put everyone in her
    presence in a good mood. She was loved by everyone that she came in contact
    with. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to have her as a friend for many years. Our most heartfelt condolences.

    Bea & Ed Uvacek

  27. Dearest Carl:
    I’m so sorry for the loss of Peggy. She was such a sweet woman and ministered to so many. We are out of town today and can’t be there to comfort your family but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you much.

  28. Peggy Shafer,was a blessing in my life when I needed it. I was a member in the singles Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in College Station. I was an older single after a divorce and this time helped me recharge my selfesteen and go on with my life. I am in part today, the kind of person I am because of Peggy. Thanks you Peggy and rest in peace

  29. Carl and family:
    The video brought back so many memories of Peggy and her kindly soul, her bright smile, and faith in humankind and the human spirit. You were both such a strong and supportive presence in the mid-80’s when a group of women gave up their careers and returned to TAMU to complete PhD’s in Agricultural Economics. Peggy provided such encouragement.
    It was wonderful to return nearly 2 decades later and see your friendly faces. I love the photo of you both on the bike. It seems to epitomize the space your spirits shared.
    I talk with my mother a lot about my father, the love of her life and her best friend since their first term at Aberystwyth, who passed away nearly 5 years ago. She says it helps to talk about him and to laugh over the shared memories. I know that you and Peggy have many friends with whom to share those memories and to laugh over the silly ones as well as your family. You are both inextricably linked with my memories of TAMU and College Station. Know that you are both much loved and in my thoughts, Eluned

  30. Peggy was my first cousin. My Dad was Ona’s brother. I loved Peggy, she was the sweetest person I’ll ever meet. She would talk in that southern/oklahoma accent that would just melt you. As a child I enjoyed going to Oklahoma and visiting with my Grandma, Uncle Jack and family, McElmurry, Uncle Stan, Aunt Ona, and Peggy. They were all so nice! We went back there for Peggy’s wedding, I was around five. Everything was so special. Peggy and Carl even had my mom, sister, and me over for breakfast the morning after their wedding. The scrambled eggs were delicious. Peggy, Carl and their kids came out to California to visit a few times, it was always special. The kid’s were fun. Once Peggy, Carl, Ona, and Carl’s Mom came out and we had a great pool party and BBQ at my house in Temecula. Last time I saw Peggy she and Carl came to visit my mom, sister, and I. I had a mini ranch in the Temecula Hills. We were to have a BBQ but the night before my septic system clog up. We ended up going to a restaurant. I have fond memories of Peggy and all my McElmurry/Oklahoma family. My thoughts are with Peggy’s family, I’m sure they are missing her.

    • Peggy was my first cousin too. I am so sorry for all the families loss. She was a light in everyone’s life that knew her. I was an attendant at her wedding to Carl in a big church in Oklahoma City. A privilege I’ll never forget. Her whole family including Uncle Stan were just wonderful to all of us whose father, Ona and Jack’s brother, John McElmurry, was killed in the Korean War in 1951. My mother enjoyed her friendship will all the Keas and then the Shafers. Many a fond memory of Peggy and good times with her and everyone. Mike writes it well…..they were special to all of us who knew her and also who knew the Shafers as well. I adored my cousin. And loved visiting with Carl’s Mom! As such wonderful friends. So many wonderful memories I can’t even begin!

  31. Thanks cousin Mike for letting me know. Karl and family, it was so nice to catch up with you when Teresa and I visited with you all in College Station. Cousin Peggy never changed from my earliest remembrances of her. She was always so genuinely sweet and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll in this time and always. Peggy loved our Lord and shared His love with all he placed in her path. My Aloha to you all!

  32. Carl, although you don’t know me, I worked for your mother and father for a few years when I was in high school and during the summer in my college years. You have no idea how much impact Annabelle and Carl (Sr.) had on my life (I’m 71 now). Annabelle demonstrated that you can be a good person, a successful, honest, and generous business person, and steady mentor all at the same time. Your father taught me to put the tools back where I got them. He only had to tell me once; the lesson stuck with me.
    I’m very sorry for your loss, and hope you’re doing well.
    Louis Melton
    Ocean View, Delaware

  33. I was so sorry to hear about Peggy’s passing, she was a member of our Board of Directors at BVCAA/BVCAP. I met her almost 3 years ago and really loved her, she was a very sweet lady, always friendly, kind and with nice things to say. I loved her beautiful smile, she always seemed happy. I’ll miss seeing her!
    Kindest regards,

    Letty Smith
    Administrative Assistant
    BVCAA/HealthPoint

  34. Peggy was my mentor for over a year when I was at Emmanuel Lighthouse Missions. She was by far the most loving woman I have ever met. She had a love for Jesus that shined in her. She led me through bible studies and prayer and taught me so much about love and life through Jesus. We had lost touch but she was always close to my heart I loved her so much and I am forever grateful that God put her in my life for a season to love me and teach me. I had no idea she had passed and I will celebrate her life! Prayers to Carl and family she loved you all so very much. She was defiantly the Proverbs 31 woman and I carry all she taught me in my heart daily and have the bracelet she gave me with a butterfly charm on it as a symbol of being once a catipiller who turned into a beautiful free butterfly. Fly high my friend till I see you agian.

    Robin McClain

  35. Our family was deeply saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. She and Carl were friends with my parents and I had the joy of meeting them a few times. From the first time I met her, she was so welcoming and friendly and gave me the feeling that we had known each other a long time. After my parents moved away, whenever they would come back to visit, they would tell me that they meet with Carl and Peggy and it would bring a smile to my face.

    My condolences to your family and may she rest in peace.

  36. My sincere condolences fo out to the entire Shafer family. I was married to my late husband, “Jack” Homer McElmurry who was Peggy’s uncle. Peggy was the most loving person I had ever known and always made me feel special and was especially kind wirh words of comfort and encouragement when her uncle had passed away in 2009. I will always remember her and will look forward to seeing her again when I’m called home. Bonita McElmurry

  37. Mrs. Shafer was one of my pre-school teachers back in 1985 or so. My family had recently immigrated to the United States from India and I attended the preschool where she and Mrs. Bassett taught. My memory of Mrs. Shafer is intertwined with that of Mrs. Bassett. I cannot remember much except that they were two of the kindest souls ever. I still have a picture of me with the two of them from back then. It is true that though you will forget what someone said or did, you will never forget how they made you feel.

    My deepest condolences to Mrs. Shafer’s family and friends.

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