Peggy Imogene Bowman Gearhart, 91, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Peggy was born on August 2, 1934, in Altamont, Avery County, North Carolina, the youngest of three children to the late Jonas Filmore Bowman and Nell June Biggerstaff Bowman. She was very career oriented and dedicated years of service to her country through her work in Civil Service. Her forty-year career came to a close at Fort Bragg, where she was employed as an Administrative Assistant. Upon her retirement Peggy was presented with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Peggy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She will be remembered for her strength, independence, and the love she shared with those around her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David Bowman, and her sister, Maryanna Stout.

She is survived by her son, Bill Mehaffey and wife Michelle; her daughter, Vel Shaia and husband Ken; her grandchildren, Megan Brown, Eamonn Mehaffey, and Niall Mehaffey and wife Katherine; and her great-grandchildren, Ashton Pippin, Ellis Mehaffey, and Naomi Mehaffey.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 1 pm at Pisgah Church Cemetery, 9132 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.