Peggy Hopper: An Advocate of Community Services

Peggy Irene McCoy Hopper made a commitment to Jesus Christ at the age of 15. She and her husband, Mitch, remained faithful members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout their lives.

After moving more than 15 times, Peggy and Mitch eventually settled in Giles County, Tennessee, a place Peggy considered one of the most beautiful she had ever lived. She later encouraged several of her siblings to move nearby so they could enjoy this picturesque area together.

Both Mitch and Peggy worked at Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal until their retirement. During their tenure, they witnessed historic advancements, including the first moon landing with Apollo 11 in 1969.

Upon relocating to Giles County, they began attending a branch Sabbath School class in Pulaski, Tennessee. They later became founding members of that church, where Mitch served as head elder and Peggy as treasurer. Peggy also dedicated more than 30 years to teaching Children’s Sabbath School.

In 1977, Peggy, along with other church members, established the local community service center to provide clothing for those in need in Giles County. Partnering with the Lions Club and the local school district, the ministry distributed over 440,000 articles of clothing, helping more than 37,000 people and contributing an estimated 27,000 volunteer hours under her leadership.

Mitch passed away in 2007. Over the past 15 years, I had the privilege of speaking with Peggy by phone several times as we discussed her estate planning documents. Although I never met her in person, our conversations revealed her deep love for Jesus and for others. Peggy was one of those rare individuals who immediately made you want to be her friend because of her kindness and fascinating life stories.

Peggy is now resting in her grave, awaiting the return of Jesus. However, her legacy endures. In her estate plan, she ensured that her local church and its community services ministry, which were so dear to her, would continue to be supported. Only in eternity will we fully comprehend the impact of her faithful life, which continues to inspire even after her passing.

If we can assist you in preparing your estate planning documents to express your desires for your family and for the ministries God has placed on your heart, please contact us at the conference office at 615-859-1391. We would be honored to help you!