Peggy J Friend

Peggy J Friend May 19, 1949 - January 10, 2016 Peggy Joan Branch Friend, 66 of St. Augustine, Florida and formally of Roanoke, Virginia departed this earth to her heavenly home on Sunday, January 10, 2016 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, John "Newt" Branch and mother, Margaret Branch and brother, Billy Branch. Left to cherish and honor her memory are her life-long love and husband of 48 1/2 years, Wayne Friend. Daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Mark Darby of St. Augustine, Florida and Mechille and Jeff Robertson of Vinton, Virginia. Three grandsons, Ethan Darby, Sheridan Darby and Coleman Darby all of St. Augustine, Florida. Four loving and understanding sisters-in-law, Janet Branch, Susan Thomas, Janet Murphy, and Cindy Treadway. Numerous nieces and nephews. And "Momma's pretty girl" and special dog, Maude. Peggy was born May 19, 1949 in Wythe Co., Virginia and grew up in Pulaski, Virginia. After meeting and marrying her husband and having their children, they moved to Roanoke, Virginia. For the next 24 years, she raised their daughters and worked as a seamstress at various companies including, Tultex and Collegiate Pacific. Then moving to St Augustine, Florida fulfilled a dream for her and her husband. There, she was employed as a seamstress at St. Augustine Marine Canvas and Upholstery and Gidia Sails Canvas Products, until her retirement. She and her husband attended Pentecostal Fellowship Center Church in St. Augustine, Florida, pastored by spiritual and loving leader, Lois Turner. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey DiMascio with Baptist South Hospital for exceptional care and for going above and beyond in her treatment over the last three years. Thank you also to the nurses on the fourth floor ICU at Baptist South, for helping her final days be as comfortable and peaceful possible. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the St. Johns Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Lois Turner officiating. Interment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.