(1931 – 2010)
“Everyone in Brewton knew Peggy Bracken. As county agent with the Cooperative Extension Service, Peggy toiled ceaselessly to help the people of Brewton and Escambia County. She did it not as a ‘job,’ but because she loved people. Peggy was, simply, a ‘people person.’ She just loved people, and her kind and sweet spirit, and her smile shined through her. Peggy was a godly woman. She loved her family and friends, her church, her community, and she just loved being involved and helping others. Peggy was not a spectator; she was a participant in life.”
Ed Williams, Professor, Department of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University wrote this wonderful tribute to a lady who was loved and admired in Escambia County. Peggy was a native of Clarke County, however, and only moved to Escambia County after graduation from Auburn University in 1952. Peggy began her life there as a high school teacher. After marrying Jack Bracken and having their children, she began employment with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service in Brewton (January 1960). She was a home demonstration agent in charge of the girls’ 4-H clubs.
Soon Peggy expanded her areas of interest and expertise. She was instrumental in starting a special education program for learning-disabled children (she later worked with that program state-wide) and was active in getting a daycare center for children of working homemakers, main reasons why in 1969 she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Brewton Chamber of Commerce. For her guidance and assistance to organizations county-wide, she was given the “Outstanding Service Award” by the Escambia County Farm Bureau in 1975.
Other accomplishments include organizing Brewton’s annual blueberry recipe contest to promote the blueberry industry; spearheading adding fluoride to the city water supply; organizing funding resources and staffing of a family resource center; and organizing college days at Jefferson Davis Jr. College.
The story of Peggy Gill Bracken would not be complete without emphasizing her love of God and her service to Him, which included teaching an adult ladies’ Sunday school class for many years. Her husband Jack died in 1989, and she retired from the Extension Service in 1991.
She is survived by her three children: John, Karen Cottrell, and Melissa Ray. It is our privilege to honor Peggy G. Bracken by inscribing her name on the dedicatory plaque at the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 541
