"Precious" Peggy Knowles

“Precious” Peggy Knowles, 90, of Abilene finished strong on Friday, January 13, 2023, at her home.  All who knew her know she has made Heaven a happier place and is dancing with Jesus! She was born on August 10, 1932, in “famous” Hamilton, Texas to Esteen Sadler and Mable Elizabeth (Jones) Sadler.

Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Roy Knowles, on May 23, 1951.  He was the love of her life. Going to church and placing the Lord first, were the most important priorities to Peggy.  They have been members of First Methodist Church in Abilene since 1950.  She lived her life serving with youth, teaching 3rd grade Sunday School for 30 years, preparing meals on Wednesday nights, implementing a prayer room for the church, leading women in small groups at her home, and traveling on mission trips to China, India, and Guatemala.  Many can share stories of how she touched their lives, led them to Jesus, or was the example they needed on how to live a Jesus filled life!  Peggy was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, friend, mentor, teacher, travel buddy, prayer warrior, and game player!!!  She loved baseball, especially the Texas Rangers. She loved to travel and was ready to go at the drop of a hat.  Peggy and Roy traveled to all seven continents with stories that have entertained us throughout the years.  Quick trips to Hamilton were always a favorite as she reminisced about her life there.

Peggy was also known for her fun, joyful, laughing, happy life!  If ever at her house for longer than an hour she would ask what game you wanted to play.  Eyes would roll when she chose to play her all-time favorite, Wahoo. Yahtzee, Dominoes, and Spoons were also top of her list.  And, oh, the jokes she enjoyed playing on people.  As an example, in high school, she and her friend Betty went on a double date to the drive in.  While Roy and Joe were at the snack bar, they moved the car and then giggled while watching them walk all over the parking lot.  The boys did not laugh.  Unfortunately for us, April 1st was probably her favorite day of the year.  Family and friends knew not to answer her phone calls on that day but somehow she would ALWAYS succeed with a prank.

Peggy loved people! As she said during her last days when asked if there was anyone she wanted to see or talk to, she said, “all the people.”  So they came!  She had so many special friends and treasured her time with all.  Her Monday Reunion Group, her involvement with Gold Monarch, her weekly visits to the “beauty shop” with sweet Rosa, were all very important and God directed times in her week. 

Because of Peggy’s joy, we encourage you to wear bright colors to her Celebration of Life.  Memorials may be given to First Methodist Church Abilene, Gold Monarch Healing Center, Butman Camp or Bynum School of Midland.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, January 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 17, at Elmwood Memorial Park. Peggy’s celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am at First Methodist Church, under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Philip Knowles.

Peggy is survived by her husband of nearly 72 years, Roy Knowles; son, Glenn Knowles; daughter, Keri St. John and husband Terry; brother, George Sadler and wife Beverly; five grandchildren, Jessica, Ali, Chandra, Preston, and Korwynn; ten grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.