Peggy Bowen Emrich Simmons, 85, of the Four Mile Community near Belzoni, MS, passed away and went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 19, 2019. She was an active member of the Beulah Baptist Church in Inverness, Ms.

Peggy was born to Parker Powell Bowen and Gertrude Bowen in Tyronza, Arkansas on October 11, 1933.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Parker and Gertrude Bowen, a sister, Joan Bowen Smith, her husband, John H. Emrich, Jr, and Thomas Mark Simmons, Jr. Peggy is survived by a son, John H. Emrich, III (Naomi) of Ebenezer, MS, and daughter, Jane Emrich Lee (David) of Fairhope, AL. She was a step mother to Ann Simmons Tanner (Steve) of Leawood, Kansas, Sharon Simmons Sandahl (Todd) of Nashville, TN, Susan Simmons Santucci (Anthony) of Greenville, MS for over 38 years. Peggy is survived by her brothers, Dan Bowen (Anne) of Madison. MS, and Jimmy Bowen (Kenny) of Memphis, TN. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren as well as many step grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.

Peggy graduated from Wilson High School in Wilson, Arkansas. She attended Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, MS. She later served as a member of the MDCC alumni board.

Peggy was co-owner/operator of Emrich Flying Service in Greenwood, MS for many years. She earned her private pilots license during that time. She was a supporter of Pillow Academy in Greenwood MS and worked at Pillow for several years before moving to Belzoni MS. Peggy was active in her church, Beulah Baptist Church in Inverness, MS. She loved her church family and enjoyed singing in church and cooking for her church family. Peggy was a member of the local community Airport Board. She also worked tirelessly on the Mississippi Delta Community College Alumni Board. She was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog supporter and followed all MSU sports. Peggy was known as the 'Pumpkin Lady' for 18 years as Simmons Pumpkin Farm welcomed visitors to their farm and pumpkin patch. She will be remembered for her smile, sweet generous spirit and devotion to her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beulah Baptist Church, Inverness Mississippi and the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson, MS.

The family will receive friends Monday, September 23, 2019 from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am Memorial Service at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. A private family burial will follow in Tyronza, Arkansas. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net