Judy Pegues was born February 2,1952 in Washington DC.  She was the third of six children born to John and Mary Pegues.

Judy graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School, where she was an active participant in a multitude of clubs and activities including the school choir, Spanish Club, Student Council, Arts Club, reporter for an alternative school newspaper, The Karastasi, and school Honor Roll Society. Her passion was being a cheer leader and booster for school games. Classmates said that she was inspirational and approached all of the school activities with infectious enthusiasm. She made honor roll every year of high school. Judy was open, friendly, and supportive of all who came in touch with her.   Later she was active with the Alumnae Association for the Class   of 70 and never lost touch with many of her classmates over the years.

After high school, she attended Marietta College in Ohio but returned to Washington DC and finished college at the University of the District of Columbia, earning a BA in computer science.    She worked in the federal government for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency as a computer analyst.  After she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she retired from the government but continued to stay active, working as a volunteer at the Long Branch Silver Spring library, participating in exercise and craft classes at the local recreation center.

Judy grew up in Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, but later found a church home with Covenant Christian Community.  She became active with many of their church functions and their outreach programs such as the preparation and delivery of Thanksgiving Dinner baskets, held the position of Assistant Treasurer for many years and regularly set up the alter for honoring the ancestors during Covenant anniversaries.

She loved her Bone Building class and Bingo at Takoma Recreation Center where she developed life-long friends.  She engaged with many of the volunteers at Silver Spring Village who helped transport her to doctor appointments and shopping.  She always spoke about the kindness and patience they exhibited when working with her.  Always upbeat in the face of mounting medical challenges, she was an inspiration to the many who helped her stay mobile and active. 

Judy loved all animals, especially cats and dogs.  All of the dog walkers in her complex knew her and the dogs in particular would stop at her door to await a treat. She also treasured all of her cats, Joey and Fred, Thelma and Louise and more recently Venus and Serena.  She had a way with animals who could sense her kindness and friendliness.

All of her friends, doctors, therapists, volunteers said that she was a shining light even in the face of medical challenges and she was always positive and optimistic. She had a big heart and was a very giving soul.  She was also a fighter, battling cancer on three separate occasions while grappling with her mobility issues due to multiple sclerosis which she had endured for over 40 years.

Judy transitioned on April 22, 2024, after waging her final battle with cancer.  She is survived by three sisters, Joyce and Janet Pegues, Jacqueline Pegues Thomas (Lance Sr.), one brother Yahya Hassan (John Pegues Jr) as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time loyal friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Pegues, her sister Joann Pegues and nephew, Lance Thomas Jr.

May she rest in peace.

 

Judy Pegues' Memorial Service will be able to be viewed virtually

Time: May 10, 2024 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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