Peggy Hartman Nobles

Peggy Hartman Nobles joined her Savior at 11 am on January 29, 2022. She was born on July 24th of 1930 in Wilson, North Carolina to the late Anna Briggs Hartman and William Hartman. Peggy grew up in Wilson, with Barbara and Ronnie, but also spent time in the town of Battleboro where she lived with Momma Powell and Joe Powell along with their daughters Lela Ann Gardner and Mary Elizabeth Gardner who became like sisters to her. Her life changed drastically when her father passed away suddenly at the age of 39. Her father had always been her greatest supporter and she admired his faith in God. Perhaps the greatest impact he had on her life was community service leading a bible study at the prison for the inmates who worked with him at the NCDOT. Just prior to his passing, her father encouraged her to become a nurse. This special moment with her father led Peggy to dedicate her life and passion to a long nursing career. With her father gone, Peggy stayed in Wilson to finish high school when her mother remarried and moved with siblings Barbara and Moose to Rocky Mount. Peggys Uncle Paul Hartman, filled in as a father figure and even attended her high school graduation in 1948 at Charles L. Coon High School. In 1951 she graduated as a Registered Nurse from Park View Hospital School of Nursing in Rocky Mount, NC. She then volunteered with the Red Cross during the polio epidemic in Vicksburg, Mississippi where she kept children breathing on iron lung machines which at times had to be run manually by nurses due to power outages. After her time with the Red Cross, she married the late Herbert A "Billy" Nobles, and they had their four children, Laura, Bill, Wes, and Hugh. Her nursing career consisted of working for doctors offices, public health, intensive care, the VA, cardiac care, surgical care, and even a brief stint at Dorothea Dix state psychiatric hospital. At the apex of her career, she was active in teaching health occupations to prepare future health care professionals. During that time, she worked with the marching band and choreographed the flag drill team. Throughout her life, she enjoyed dancing and gymnastics which led to teaching for a few years before her nursing career began. Peggy worked in ribbons and laces at the local 5 and dime store, but since she struggled to calculate yardage, she requested to transfer to the stockroom where she excelled at organizing the shelves of store goods. These organization skills served her later in life in her nursing career as a supervisor and team leader. Peggy also worked in the tobacco fields and honed her gymnastic skills hanging tobacco sticks high in the barn, balancing on wooden beams. Peggy loved people of all races and creeds and often talked about being raised up playing with and working with people of differing races and socioeconomic statuses. She noted “We all worked, played, and shared our lunch of moon pies, bottled Coke, and watermelon together on breaks in the field. No one thought about color or thought they were any different than anyone else.” Peggy also worked in the cotton fields of North Carolina and recalled being there alongside black coworkers sweating in the heat. In her leisure time, Peggy loved the beach, and often while there she enjoyed the sunshine, long walks on the beach, swimming, and dancing in shag competitions. Peggy was a huge NASCAR fan, both on TV and in live races. She once was in line at the grocery store where she recognized one of the drivers insurance in front of her buying canned beans of course she took the opportunity to speak to him. She loved going to live concerts and recalled seeing Elvis Presley in the early “50s with her sister Barbara, she even met the country artis. and CMA host Vince Gill. She was on the front row with daughter Laura to hear George Strait. Peggy also enjoyed going to the state fair and created many wonderful memories with her children there. Much to the chagrin of her 4 children she once halted the ferris wheel at the fair as it reached its peak height when she realized her fear of heights was greater than her desire for adventure. Later in her life, she enjoyed crocheting winter hats for Navajo Indian children and watching soap operas and NASCAR races on TV. She owed the news and pitch and showed her love for the United States and concern over the current state of our economy, immigration, our military, and crime. Peggy supported her 2 sons Bill and Hugh who were in the US Army and she proudly displayed her patriotism by displaying her flag every day on her front porch. She also took every opportunity to tell stories about her colorful life to those willing to listen. Those who knew her can fondly remember her outgoing and fun personality. She never met a stranger She was never afraid to try something new such as riding her own motorcycle and horseback riding with her daughter Laura. Peggy was a selfless person and always wanted to care for those around her. Peggy was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Hartman Bradshaw. Her brother Ronnie "Moose" Hartman and his wife Edna survive her along with their children Bill Hartman and Susie Hartman. Those left in her absence are her children Laura and Chris Elkin, Bill and Maria Nobles, Wes Nobles, and Hugh and Lynette Nobles along with their children Sydney and Sean Basilio, Harrison Nobles, and Elaina and Tyler Grant. Her niece Marty Donaldson and husband Jeff, along with their children Martin and Bailey Donaldson, and Charles Donaldson and fianc Kassie also survive her. Peggy leaves behind many lifelong friends too numerous to be named here, however, she would like you all to know she loves you In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice in Peggys memory. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Sunday 2/6, 9:00 am - 9:45 am Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Sunday 2/6, 10:00 am - 11:00 am A Funeral Service to celebrate Peggy's life will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Cemetery Maplewood Cemetery 400 College Street, NE Wilson, NC 27893