Marian Peay Caldwell peacefully and quietly slipped away from the pain of this world to be with God Sunday morning, Feb. 2, 2003.

She was born July 27, 1927, in Winston-Salem to Erma L. Watlington and David Peay.

She was a graduate of Atkins High School, class of 1944, where she earned letters playing basketball. She retired from Salem Academy, where she was a supervisor in the housekeeping department. Marian had been a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for more than 60 years, a member of Missionary Group No. 3 and a charter member of the Young Women's Progressive Club. Her loving husband of 41 years, William N. Caldwell and her very special mother-in-law, Anna N. Caldwell, patiently awaited her homecoming. Marian loved her family and extended family. She joyfully anticipated each family gathering, though most of her time was spent in the kitchen. She shared a beautiful relationship with all of her family, but was blessed to be able to share a special time and have a special bond with each grandchild. Though small in stature and very unassuming, she had an undaunted spirit, but in any situation, there was never a doubt who was in charge.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory two loving daughters, Mrs. Sharon Williams of Parkton, Md., and Mrs. Janet Brown of Winston-Salem; a son, Mr. Dereck Caldwell of' Huntersville; two sons-in-law, Harold L. Williams and John L. Brown; a devoted daughter-in-law, Tonya Caldwell; a brother. Dr. David N. Peay, and a special sister-in-law, Antoinette Peay of Winston-Salem; seven grandchildren, DeNai, Cameron, Chadmon, Dominique, Carmen. Markeith and her most recent heartbeat, Tiara; four great-grandchildren, Willie, Quincey, Julian and Zyan; two nieces, Carla and Karen Peay of Laurel, Md.; two nephews, Kerry Peay of Laurel, Md., and Antonio Thigpen of Winston-Salem; devoted friends Henriette (Henry) West, Sallie Brown, Anne (Tootie) Hampton, Cornelia Tanner and Jeanette Tate; and a host of other loving friends. Special thanks to Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, and to Dr. John Card and Dr. David Bottle, who gave special care. And to all the friends who supported us with words of comfort and consolation.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Shiloh Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Lowe officiating. Burial will follow at Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Friday one hour before the service. The procession will assemble and leave from the home, 520 E. 27th St., on its way to the church at 11:40 a.m. (Johnson-Howard-Robinson)
Published in the Winston-Salem Journal on 2/6/2003.