Tribute to a Godly Woman: Peggy Larck Erwin (1931-2010)
Randy Chapman
On October 18. 2010, the kingdom of God in central and southern West Virginia lost a precious sister and devoted servant when Peggy Larck Erwin died. Peggy was born October 11, 1931, to William and Lula Larck in Scott Depot. She met and married George Erwin. They were scheduled to be married on Christmas Day. However, someone in the church needed George’s attention, so he told Peggy the wedding would have to wait. If you knew Peggy, or know any other woman, you can understand why one friend of theirs said George was a courageous man. However, Peggy agreed, and they were married a week later. For fifty-five years she worked alongside George with churches in Danforth, Maine; and in Princeton, Scott Depot, and Winfield, West Virginia.
Peggy had great talents. She was well known for her artistic abilities. A 20th Century Dorcas, she made clothes for her daughter and grandchildren. She made “tray favors” for the hospitals and showed the women of the church how to make “care bears” for the nursing homes and hospitals. Peggy would have the funeral director give her any unclaimed or donated flowers left after a funeral. She would then make small arrangements and take them to the elderly Christians living in nursing homes or to shut-ins. Peggy also took ribbons from the arrangements and made roses from them to give the families who had lost a loved one.
Peggy was a great homemaker. Her house was clean and well-arranged, just like you would expect from her personal appearance. Peggy was a great organizer. She organized ladies’ classes, Inspiration Days, and was responsible for planning and cooking for church camp at Surprise Valley Christian Youth Camp near Beckley, WV. Even though she was nearing eighty years of age and walking with a cane, she allowed no one to stop her from cooking at camp this past summer.
Peggy and George have been much of the driving force for Surprise Valley. The camp gives out some awards during the week. There is an award for the girl camper who just seems to enjoy camp more than anyone else. It is called the “Peggy Award.” Of course, there’s a “George Award” for one of the boys. I thank God that so many of the kids in southern West Virginia have been exposed to Peggy – that they could see someone who could have fun while living for God.
She is survived by George; her daughter, Georg-Ann (Richard) Green; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister; and ten nieces and nephews.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her … Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:10-31. - chapphelps@gmail.com