Peggy Booth Blankenship Stepp
1941—2022
Peggy Booth Blankenship Stepp, age 80, of Inez, Ky., crossed over to her eternal home April 18, 2022.
Born Aug. 30, 1941, in Martin County, she was the daughter of the late Sheridan and Bertha (Mills) Booth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Ray Blankenship, sister, Joyce Booth Ferris, and brother, Glen Morris Booth.
Peggy was a graduate of Warfield High School, Pikeville College, and Morehead State University. She began her career in education in 1962, teaching social studies to students at Inez High School. The following year, she transferred to Warfield High School as a teacher and then went to the new high school (currently Martin County High School) that combined both high schools in Martin County when it opened in 1972. In 1982, Peggy was hired as assistant principal and remained in that position until she retired in 1997.
Peggy not only taught the principles of good citizenship, she made efforts to know her students. She was a teacher, counselor, and disciplinarian combined who has helped many students over the years. It was not unusual for Peggy to give students money for a personal need, purchase a prom dress, or take them to her home and give them a good meal, conversation/guidance, or clothing. She inspired and encouraged students to always work hard to acquire credentials that would allow them to have a happy and prosperous career. Many former students, who became doctors, plumbers, electricians, lawyers, teachers, etc., have expressed that Peggy believed in them and supported their dreams. Most of all, she helped them dream and, by example, how to work toward their goals.
Peggy also taught adult education over the years and helped many adults acquire their GED diplomas. Her realm of helping others is an example of Christianity in a very unselfish way. She always knew how to lead individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and surroundings.
As a founding member of the Martin County Historical Society or being on the board/membership of an existing civic group, Peggy always advocated for the betterment of Martin County via organizations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis civic groups. Peggy served as a member and, oftentimes, chairperson, of several larger community-wide boards, including the Big Sandy Health Care Board and the Big Sandy Community and Technical College. She was a 51-year member, beginning in 1971, of the Order of the Eastern Star with the Inez Chapter.
After 35 years of working in the education field, Peggy became a real estate agent with Realty One USA. She knew the community well and how to help families relocate when needed.
The heartbreaking disease of dementia began affecting her daily life approximately 14 years ago. She lost her ability to enunciate words six years ago. Peggy has had the very best possible caregiving in her home. Her most recent caregivers of several years were Brenda Jude Robertson, Lalah Woolever, Millie Reagan and Elizabeth Webb (cousin). With their excellent care, along with guidance from the Appalachian Hospice Group, she passed peacefully in her home. Her caregiving was coordinated by her sister, Karen, who followed the teachings of their mother to love and take care of each other in conjunction with guidance from the teaching of God in Colossians 3:12 – God tells us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility and patience.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Landon Stepp, one son, Dr. John Stuart (Sarabeth) Blankenship, and a grandson, Jack, of Elizabethtown, Ky. Also surviving are her siblings, Don (Thelma) Booth of Warfield, Ky, Sheridan Jr. (Carol) Booth, Jim (Linda) Booth, Karen (Bill) Booth Harvey of Inez, Ky., and Joann Booth of Warfield, Ky. In addition, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
Peggy became a Christian and was baptized by Rev. Jimmy Grayson in October 1966. She was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Inez, where she taught Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, and made many efforts and donations to the growth of the church as well as missions over the many years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Callaham Funeral Home in Inez. Pastor, Dr. Garrett Mills will be conducting her services along with Pastor Dwayne Mills. Rheta Mills, who led a Dementia Support Group for three years in Inez, will present a special prayer. Burial will follow at the Riverview Memorial Gardens in Louisa, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Stray Hearts Animal Rescue, whose address is, PO Box 1328, Inez, KY 41224. Peggy appreciated how important animal rescue was to her sister, Karen. Arrangements are under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home, Inez.