Peggy Rooker

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life so lovingly lived, we share the passing of our beloved sister, mother & Grammy, Peggy Vadaila Ann Rooker, at the age of 89.

Peggy entered the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 22, 2025. A gentle soul with an unshakable love for her family, friends, and all of God’s creatures—feathered, furry, or found wandering—Peggy’s kindness touched everyone and everything she encountered.

Born on May 5, 1936, in Holcomb, MO to Fred and Lola Alma Floyd, Peggy lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary change and history. She lived through the Great Depression, learning early the value of hard work, resilience, and gratitude. Clothes were sewn with thread pulled from flour sacks, and every penny counted---- lessons she carried with her throughout her life and shared with her family, along with a deep sense of resourcefulness and strength that shaped the woman we all cherished.

She witnessed the world transform, but through it all, she remained devoted to the simple, meaningful things: love, laughter, and family.

Peggy was raised in Maple Grove Baptist Church in Holcomb, MO. In her later years, she attended Black River General Baptist Church in Broseley, MO until she was no longer able to attend in person.

Peggy worked her whole life, beginning when she was a young girl in the cotton fields. She dedicated 27 years of her life working as the "voice of Lucy Lee," serving as the cheerful and dependable switchboard operator for the community she loved. Her warm voice was often the first one people heard when calling—welcoming and reassuring. It was more than a job; it was her way of connecting with others and sharing her gift of kindness day after day. She retired from Lucy Lee at the age of 74.

Her greatest joy was found in the people she loved most. Her home was full—not just with family and friends, but with heart. Whether you came for dinner or just stopped by for a chat, she always greeted you with open arms and likely offered you a cookie from the cookie jar or a sandwich. Her Thanksgiving dressing was nothing short of legendary. Her cherry cheesecake and yellow cake with milk chocolate icing were comfort in dessert form—made with love.

Traditions blossomed under Peggy’s care. Pickle parties turned into beloved family rituals, with laughter as the main ingredient. Puzzles covered the dining room table, patiently assembled piece by piece. Tucked into a cozy nook in her home was the corner of toys, a magical space filled with well-loved treasures that grandchildren and visiting little ones cherished—a reflection of our Grammy’s playful heart, creating joy and wonder for others.

And then there was her beloved stuffed animal bear family—a sweet, whimsical collection that brought delight to young and old alike. Peggy had the rare gift of giving inanimate things a soul; in her hands, a simple plush bear became part of the family.

Peggy had a way of imbuing everything around her with love and meaning—from her favorite knickknacks to the animals that wandered into her yard.

And oh, how she loved ALL animals. Birds at her feeders, stray cats at her door, the fox family in the field—every creature found safety and care in her presence, and a home in her heart. She had a gentle way with the world, and that tenderness extended to every living being she encountered.

Her yard bloomed with her favorites: Rose of Sharon, hydrangeas, irises, cannas, her lilac bush, magnolia tree, and even her pecan and walnut trees. Each one flourished under her tender care, just like the people around her.

In winter, her home became a storybook scene. Her treasured Christmas village—each piece carefully chosen and lovingly arranged—glowed with warmth and nostalgia, captivating young and old alike. She often shared soft melodies from her cherished music boxes, filling the air with magical and cherished tunes.

Above all, she loved her family. She was the storyteller, the hug giver, the one who remembered every detail. Her love was deep, unwavering, and unconditional.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Rooker, her father, Fred Floyd, her mother, Lola Alma Floyd, her brother, Pharis Floyd, her brother-in-law, Bill Crain, and her stepdaughter Brenda Baker.

Peggy is survived by her sister Moyra Crain; daughter Sharon Thompson (Kelly Stephens); son Don Lassiter; daughter Charlotte Wrinkle (Johnny Wrinkle); stepsons Ronnie Rooker and Cliff Rooker.

Her grandchildren Valerie Ivy (Jamie); Jessica Brotherton (Jarred); Kristen Albin (James); Joe Wrinkle (Amy); Amber Wrinkle; Brock Crowley (Monique); Chantel Bates; Lisa Gibbs (Graham); Michelle Rooker; Bobby Rooker; and Mehgan Southard

Her great-Grandchildren Joshua Ivy (Janel, Levi, & soon to be baby Luke); Emmaleigh Ivy; Jacob Brumley; Bailey Brotherton; Ethan Albin; Madison Albin; John Taylor; Peyton Taylor, Cale Crowley; Adele Crowley; Camilla Crowley; Ada Crowley; Camden Crowley; Kingston Bates.

Peggy is also survived by several loved nieces, nephews, neighbors, and special friends she made over the years.

She leaves behind a family that adored her, countless memories we’ll hold close, and a legacy stitched together with laughter, love, tradition, and grace. In every puzzle piece, in every bloom, in every bird song, in every soft chime of a music box, she lives on. She will be missed beyond words—and remembered forever.

Rest gently, dear sister, mother, Grammy, aunt. Your voice, your love, and your spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home 701 Vine St. Poplar Bluff, MO. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with James Albin officiating. There will be a private burial with her immediate family at the City Cemetery on Monday morning.

In lieu of flowers, Peggy requested donations to be made to UCAN.