Margaret Irene “Peggy” Hopkins, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2025, after a lengthy illness, lovingly cared for by Southern Care New Beacon Hospice.
A memorial service was held at Greensboro Presbyterian Church, 905 Demopolis Street, Greensboro, AL 36744, on January 3, 2026, with the Reverend John Alexander officiating. Visitation with the family was at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. The church served a meal to the immediate family following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Friends of Hale County Animals, P.O. Box 312, Greensboro, AL 36744.
Although she never had children of her own, Peggy dearly loved children, and her lengthy career as an educator included teaching many K–12 grades and/or serving as a school librarian in Wisconsin; Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; and Greensboro, Alabama.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she grew up throughout the United States as her father, Marcus Brutus Baker, ascended the ranks of the YMCA to become an executive. She spent much happy time as a child at her maternal grandparents’—Sidney Adolphus Dew and Margaret Catherine Ellrick Dew—home in Greensboro, the home she would come to reside in as her “forever home” in 1981.
She received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Alabama in 1990, an apt advanced degree for one who was such an avid and omnivorous reader. It brought her joy to share her love of reading through storytelling, and she was a wonderful storyteller—particularly when garbed in her Halloween witch costume, complete with all visible skin colored a vivid green.
Being possessed of a keen mind, quick wit, and broad and deep eclectic proclivities, she was also a world traveler, crafts and jewelry maker, and writer.
The other great love in her life was animals, but particularly her cats, the last two of which—Grymlin and Missy Moo—remained steadfast at her side until she drew her last breath.
While in Greensboro, Peggy was active in many civic and church organizations: the Choctaw Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Friends of Hale County Animals, Homemaker’s Club, Garden Club, the Hale County and Newbern Public Libraries, The Greensboro Watchman, and many other organizations.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus Brutus Baker and Annetta Marie Dew Baker; her sister, Carol Marie Baker Silver; and her brother, Robert Brutus Baker.
She is survived by three nieces, her sister Carol Marie Baker Silver’s daughters: Dr. Sidney Catherine Silver Key (Jeffrey) of Graham, NC; Christe Ann Silver Smith (Kyle) of Windsor, CA; Margaret Marie Storey (Matt) of Rio Rancho, NM; and her brother Robert Brutus Baker’s daughter, Kendra Baker Heerey, of Wisconsin.
She is also survived by great-nieces and -nephews Devin, Kristin, Justin, Riley, Cecillia, Rebecca, Marissa, Sarah, Hannah, Joseph, and Spencer; great-great nieces and nephews; cousins; and many, many friends who became family, including her end-of-life caregivers.
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