Peggy J.R. Crossley

Peggy Joyce Rawls Crossley, Ph.D., 90, passed away Sept. 10, 2026, leaving a remarkable legacy as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator and mentor.

Born May 6, 1936, in West Monroe, Louisiana, Peggy devoted her career to education. She began as an elementary school teacher and ultimately earned a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Mississippi. She served as Special Education Supervisor in Monticello before teaching Special Education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she prepared future educators.

Peggy married Lloyd Hughes Crossley on July 4, 1957. During their 62 years together, they raised their family while Peggy built a career that was far less common for women of her generation. In retirement, they made Hot Springs, Arkansas, their primary home and Montrose, Colorado, in the summers, with Peggy embracing what became her favorite role: full-time grandmother.

She loved fiercely and believed deeply in those she loved. Her family knows that none of them would be where they are today without her steadfast guidance, encouragement and love.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Crossley, widow of Mark, Pamela Crossley and James William Crossley and wife, Barbara.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jackson Arnold and wife, Chelsea, Ellen Crossley and husband, Jordan, Brenna Crossley and partner, Jake, Alexa Crossley and James Singen Crossley.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Oct. 24, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs. Interment will take place 11 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, in Wilmot, Arkansas.

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