Imogene Faye Lipscomb

Imogene Faye Lipscomb died peacefully in her sleep on May 21, at the age of 98. The third of three children, she was born on February 17, 1928, to Nancy Jane (Roberts) and George W. Lipscomb in Durham, NC.

Upon meeting Imogene, her Aunt Jane told her parents that she didn’t look like an Imogene but like a Peggie, a moniker she carried unofficially throughout her life. Peggie attended Durham Public Schools, graduating from Durham High School in 1946.

She graduated with a BA from Duke University in 1950, followed two years later with an MAT. With teaching degree in hand, her early career included teaching English at Northern High School, Durham, NC, the first year that the school opened. She taught at Northern for ten years before transitioning to positions at Durham High School and the Durham City Schools Administrative Office, during which time she set up the special education program for the school system.

While working full time, Peggie earned a PhD in Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1967. In 1968, Peggie was recruited to the faculty of Columbia College, Columbia, SC, for the purpose of establishing a program in special education and to serve as director of that department. She retired as Professor of Education at the college in 1995. Many of her former students, both from her early teaching years at Northern High School and later at Columbia College, have remained in touch with her, citing Peggie as having played a valued role in their lives.

A member of Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC, in Columbia, for over fifty years, Peggie held many roles within the church including Sunday School teacher, chair of the church council committee and chair of the parish relations committee. Established in 2006, Peggie was also a founding member of the Fran Wood Quilters. Through this group, quilts were made and donated for the church’s confirmation classes, children at the Palmetto Richland Hospital, among many other groups. The impact these quilters have had has been enormous. The group operates outside of the church’s budget, supported through the generosity of others. Their work is done to the Glory of God and in honor of the members of the Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church.

Peggie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother George Winfred Lipscomb (Betty); and her sister Marie L. Ladd (Holt). She is survived by her goddaughter, Nancy B. Shelton (Brad); three nephews, Greg Ladd (Pam), Brooks Ladd (Karol); Ferris Lipscomb (Laurel); great nephews, Marcus Ladd (Marissa), Max Lipscomb (Jenny); great nieces, Sandy Lipscomb and Lindsay Claudino; as well as 7 great-great nieces and 2 great-great nephews.

Peggie’s family circle also includes life-long friendships with the Ruth S. Brown family, Nancy and Stroud Brewer, of Durham, and the Selden Smith family, of Columbia. There is no way to count the number of lives in which Peggie provided a positive impact. She wasn’t one to keep count. But, for all of us who knew her, her impact on our lives has been immeasurable.

A celebration of Peggie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m., at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Fran Wood Quilters, Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church,1500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.