Catherine Peck

Catherine "Kit" Hale Peck, 86, died at her own home in Charlotte, on June 19, 2011, where she had lived for 49 years. She was born in Spartanburg, SC, on December 4, 1924, to Dr. Walter Keith Hale and Katherine Fitzgerald Hale, and was one of four children. Kit graduated from Spartanburg High School, where she served as Class President, and also from Winthrop College, where she earned a degree in sociology. She proudly worked as a social worker in Columbia and Spartanburg before her children were born. A poet and gardener at heart, Kit was a devoted wife of 47 years, a generous and unconditionally loving mother to her three children, and a proud grandmother to her two grandsons. She had strong empathy and affection for family and friends and was a gracious caregiver for sick and aging family members and friends over many years. She was delighted to have caring neighbors whose friendship she treasured. A devout Christian her entire life, Kit was an active member of Wedgewood Baptist Church in her own neighborhood, where she had many cherished friends and a lively social life. Earlier she had been a member of St. John's Baptist Church for nearly 50 years, active in the Women's Missionary Union and in a faithful prayer group. She was a member of the Lori Book Club for 45 years. Kit loved being outdoors, rarely missing a day working in her yard, often until long after dark, so she could take flowers to friends. She was a charming Southern lady whose radiant smile and personal warmth characterized every encounter. Kit delighted in meeting people and was quick to offer newcomers a welcome. Her committed faith and unceasingly optimistic outlook were her strengths. Gratitude for all of God's gifts, especially family and friends, resonated in all her conversations. Kit was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Ray F. Peck; her brother, Walter Keith Hale, Jr.; her sister, Mary Hughes Morgan; and her nephew, Walter Hale Hyatt. She will be honored in blessed memory and greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched, especially her daughter, Susan Green of Charlotte; son, Ray F. Peck, Jr., and wife Martha of Raleigh, NC; son, Steven L. Peck of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandsons, Jason and David Peck of Arlington, VA; sister, Emma Hale Hyatt of Spartanburg, SC; brother-in-law, Ray H. Morgan of Rock Hill, SC; niece, Kathy Hyatt Clark and husband Bob of Sebring, FL; nephew, George S. Hyatt, Jr. and wife Tammy of Lexington, SC; nephew, Dr. Ray H. Morgan, Jr. and wife Missy of Kennesaw, GA; niece, Lynn Morgan Holmes of Abbeville, SC; sister-in-law, Martha Wingo; niece, Robin Wilson and husband Mark; niece, Linda Ebert and husband Dick, all of Spartanburg, SC; nephew, Steve Robison and wife Pam of Matthews, NC. She had numerous Fitzgerald cousins from whom she held deep affection and wonderful memories. The family is especially appreciative of the exceptional and loving personal care Kit was given by Ofa Tonga; her daughters, Seini Draughan and Loleini Tonga; her niece Nau Vailea; and her sister-in-law, Seini Vailahi. A worship service in Kit's memory will be Saturday, June 25, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Wedgewood Baptist Church, 4800 Wedgewood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends at the church fellowship hall following the service. The graveside service will be 4:30 PM at West Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Memorial contributions may be made to Wedgewood Baptist Church or Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary c/o Heritage Funeral Home, Matthews, NC To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Catherine "Kit" Hale Peck please visit our Sympathy Store.