Peggy Lewis

Peggy Gullage Lewis, age 79, passed away on March 7, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Born on August 25, 1943, in Albany, GA, she was the oldest daughter born to William (Billy) McNabb Gullage and Rhudene Hardegree Gullage. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James Sheridan Lewis, MD, her father, William McNabb Gullage, her mother, Rhudene Hardegree Gullage, and her son-in-law, Brad William Canavan. She is survived by daughter, Susan Canavan, grandson Will and granddaughter Lydia of Sudbury, MA, and by son Dr. James S. Lewis, Jr. MD, wife Daniela, and grandsons James and Tiago of Nashville, TN. She is also survived by sister, Gwen Payne, husband Van, and niece Jen of Richmond, VA. Peggy graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR, with a B.A. in Music Education. While at Ouachita, Peggy met Jim Lewis whom she married on June 19, 1965, the summer after they graduated. Jim and Peggy continued their life in Little Rock where Jim attended Medical School and Peggy taught music. They moved to Tulsa for Jim’s residency as Peggy continued her music education and teaching. In Tulsa, they welcomed Susan to the family. Next was Warner Robins, GA, for Jim to complete his Air Force service and where Jim Jr. was born. Searcy, AR was chosen as their lifelong home where Jim began his pediatric practice and Peggy began her piano instruction to many Searcy children. The friends that Peggy met in her lifetime in Searcy meant so much to her and were the primary reason she loved her “small town living”. Peggy was a gifted classical pianist receiving a Masters of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Tulsa where she learned from master concert pianist Aldo Moncinelli. She loved teaching music to children and adults in her community. She was excellent at her craft, wanting everyone to feel and experience the joy she felt through music. Many of her students won state and national competitions, received scholarships to study music in school, and pursued careers in music. Peggy was a supporter of music education and served in many piano organizations, most proudly serving as President of the Arkansas State Music Teachers Association (ASMTA) and as an officer in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Peggy was a member of First United Methodist Church, Searcy, AR, serving alongside Jim in the couples Sunday School. She was a faithful member making many lifelong friends, supporting the ministry, and using her musical talents to enhance the worship experience, playing piano for Sunday services for many years. A service celebrating Peggy’s life will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Searcy, AR, with Rev. Jeff Jackson officiating. Visitation with the family will be held at Powell Funeral Home, Searcy, AR, from 4:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Burial will be at White County Memorial Gardens after the service. Arrangements made by Powell Funeral Home, Searcy, AR. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Music Teachers National Association: https://www.mtnafoundation.org/contribute/contribute-now/ www.powellfuneralhome.net

Peggy Lewis

August 25, 1943 - March 7, 2023