SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Peggy Plexico Leak Covington, 88, of Elmcroft Assisted Living, Southern Pines and formerly of Rockingham, passed away July 4, 2017.

Peggy was born on Nov. 22, 1928 in Salisbury, a daughter of Samuel Holmes and Thelma White Kerr Plexico. In 1952, she married Henry (Hal) Ledbetter Leak. Hal and Peggy were married for 30 years until his death in 1982. In 1996, she married Dr. A. M. Covington. They were married 15 years until his death in 2013.

A graduate of Catawba College, she became a dedicated English teacher for Richmond County Schools. During her 34 years of service, Peggy made a positive, lasting impact on the education of so many students.

Peggy had an unwavering faith in God. She was a very active member of First United Methodist Church in Rockingham. Her boundless love for her church and church family was evident, having served on numerous committees including leader of her Circle No. 3, president of the Ladies Bible Class, as well as, president of the United Methodist Women. Her love and charitable nature toward others was demonstrated in her volunteer work through the Family Ministries and Soup Kitchen. Peggy was instrumental in beginning the Angel Tree Ministry for the students of Rohanen Middle School.

Peggy was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She loved spending time with family and friends. Filled with compassion and interests for others, Peggy was never one to put herself first. She cared deeply for everyone she knew and was always willing to help someone in need.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Leak Bankhead (David) of Rockingham; her two sons, Hal Leak (Ann) of Whispering Pines, and Tommy Leak of Rockingham; three grandchildren, Anna Bankhead Odom (Bradley) of Rockingham, David Phillip Bankhead II of Greensboro, and Callen Elizabeth Leak of Raleigh; two great-grandchildren, Graham Bradley Odom and Sampson Stephen Odom of Rockingham; four nephews, Holmes (Sarah) Harden of Raleigh, Mark (Debbie) Harden of Charlotte, Jonathan Harden of Bristol, Tennessee, and Sam Plexico of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; and one niece, Lissa (Dan) Jensen of Chapel Hill.

Services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, July 7 at First United Methodist Church in Rockingham with the Rev. Allen Bingham officiating and interment following at Leak-Wall Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 637, Rockingham, NC 28180.

Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting and online condolences may be sent to www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.