Peggy Carruth Wills

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
- Proverbs 31:25

Peggy Carruth Wills, known to so many simply and affectionately as Aunt Peggy, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on March 25, 1935, in Dallas, Georgia, Peggy lived a life deeply rooted in the community she loved. A lifelong resident of Paulding County, she did not just live in Dallas-she helped shape it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Columbus Carruth and Josie Alexander Carruth; her brother, Alton "Al" Carruth (Jerri); her sister, Sandra Carruth Monk (Boyd Monk Sr.); her in-laws, John "Bully" Wills and Eliea Mae Gann Wills; her sister-in-law, Lucille Wills (Lloyd); and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Wills (Hazel).

On August 17, 1956, she married the love of her life, Loran Wills. Their marriage spanned nearly 70 years-a rare and remarkable testament to commitment, endurance, and unwavering love. Peggy was deeply and fiercely devoted to Loran, standing beside him through every season of life as his constant support and greatest champion. She played an active role in supporting his service and the brotherhood that came with it, helping organize and arrange Navy reunions for those who served alongside him during the Korean Conflict. Their love story was one to be admired and envied, a quiet but powerful example of what true partnership looks like-and what lifelong devotion truly means.

Peggy graduated from Dallas High School in 1953, where she served as a cheerleader, carrying that same spirit of encouragement and strength into every chapter of her life.

Though Peggy had no children of her own, her impact as an aunt-and far beyond-cannot be overstated. She was a guiding force, a second mother, and a constant presence in the lives of her beloved nephew Boyd Monk and Lee Kaylor. Beyond family, she became a cornerstone of the community itself. To many, she was their Aunt Peggy.

Peggy's legacy is one of unwavering service. She was the founding Chairman of the Paulding County Board of Elections, serving faithfully from 2007 until her passing. Her dedication to integrity and civic responsibility left a lasting imprint on the county she loved. In recognition of her impact, she was honored as Paulding County Citizen of the Year in 2023.

Her commitment to community was extensive. She was a founding member of the Southern Airways Flight 242 Memorial, ensuring that history would be remembered with dignity and care. She was also a founding member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Dallas in 2002, living out her faith not just in word, but in action. As a member of the New Hope Cemetery Committee, she honored both the past and the present with the same devotion.

Peggy and Loran were also founding members of the Jaycees and Jaycettes of Paulding County and were deeply committed to the local medical community, offering steadfast support to Paulding Memorial Hospital, now Wellstar Paulding. Their investment in the well-being of others was not occasional-it was lifelong.

Professionally, Peggy began her career at Fisher's Five and Dime in the early 1950s before joining Georgia Power in the early 1960s. Through decades of dedication, she rose to become the local branch office manager, retiring in 1992. She was respected not only for her work ethic, but for her steady leadership and reliability.

But titles and accomplishments only tell part of her story.

Peggy was known for what she gave. She gave food when it was needed, wisdom when it was sought, strength when it was lacking, and love without condition. Her faith was not something she spoke about lightly-it was something she lived, daily and visibly. If you walked alongside her, you didn't just hear about faith-you experienced it.

She had a servant's heart and a creator's hands. Whether it was flower arrangements, handmade bows, quilts, or crocheted blankets, she marked life's moments-both joyful and difficult-with something made by her own hands. If there was a need, she filled it. If there was a gap, she stepped into it.

Her presence in a room was unmistakable-strong, steady, and certain-yet always grounded in care for others.

Peggy Carruth Wills leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or titles alone. It lives on in the community she helped build, the people she shaped, and the love she gave so freely-especially in the life she shared with her beloved husband, Loran.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clark Funeral Home.

A service celebrating her life will be held Thursday at 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Dallas, with the family receiving visitors beginning at 3:00 PM at the church.

Her life was a testament to the quiet strength that never wavers and the faith that never fails.

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."
- Psalm 46:5