Peggy Jean Smith Loyd

Peggy Jean Smith Loyd, age 91, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on May 29, 2026. She was born on December 6, 1934, in Asheville, North Carolina, to the late Arson Samuel Smith Sr. and Ruth Gertrude Murray Smith.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Wesley Loyd Jr.; her parents; her sister, Joan Shufford; and her brother, Arson Samuel Smith Jr.

She is survived by her sons, Sanford “Sandy” Wesley Loyd and Terry Vernon Loyd; her grandchildren, Sandy Jo Loyd and Cody Wesley Loyd; and her great-grandchildren, Daniel Wesley Mayhew and Winston Ramsey. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Roberts; her brother, Phillip Smith; four nieces; three nephews; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Peggy was a proud graduate of the Mission Hospital Belles Class of 1955 and dedicated her life to the nursing profession as a Registered Nurse. Throughout her career, she practiced nursing in North Carolina, Wyoming, and Mississippi, serving in various hospitals and providing compassionate care as a nurse for the Baptist Children’s Home for Unwed Mothers in Asheville. She retired from Memorial Mission Hospital after many years of faithful service to her patients and community.

A devoted Christian, Peggy was a longtime member of Emma United Methodist Church. She taught children’s Sunday School classes, assisted with Vacation Bible School programs and events, and was an active member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Her faith guided her life and her commitment to serving others.

Peggy’s greatest joy was her family. She loved children, treasured time spent with family and friends, and had a special affection for her many beloved pets throughout the years. She enjoyed music, playing the piano, reading, and visiting with those she loved. She will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, caring grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful friend to many. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others touched countless lives.

The family will forever cherish the memories of Peggy’s gentle spirit, unwavering compassion, and the love she shared so freely with everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Peggy’s honor to Shriners Children’s, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or another children’s charity reflecting her lifelong love and concern for children.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery in Black Mountain.