On Monday, April 13, the toughest woman on earth drew her final breath. Peggy Anne Hunter Key passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, a fight she faced the same way she lived her life, with grit, grace, and unwavering strength.
Peggy was born on June 14, 1954, to Sandra Laine Morgan and William Leslie “Bill” Hunter, Jr. and was the eldest of five children, including Terry Parker, William (Bill) Hunter III, Laura Alford, and Paula Walsworth.
From an early age, she stood out. She graduated from Riverdale Academy, where she earned District and All-State honors in basketball two years in a row, and shared her musical talents playing both the saxophone and the piano.
In 1971, Peggy met the love of her life, William (Bill) Gene Key, son of James Thomas Key and Ruth L. Reeves.
They were married on July 21, 1972, at Liberty Baptist Church in Martin, LA beginning a partnership that would span nearly 54 years. Together, Peggy and Bill built a life rooted in love, resilience, and family, raising their children: William (Bill) Key, Jr., wife Katie Myers Key, Jeremy Daniel Key, and Angela Sabrina Key.
While raising her family, Peggy returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1998, a testament to her determination and belief in perseverance. She went on to teach math from 1999 - 2017 at numerous schools, including Lakeview and Coushatta High School. Peggy received multiple honors as an educator, raising her students’ LEAP scores drastically. Peggy was more than a teacher, she was a steady hand, a mentor, and a difference-maker who gave her time freely, often tutoring students long after the school day ended. She didn’t just teach math. She taught discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work.
Peggy found joy in the simple and meaningful things. She loved to cook, read, watch westerns, and most of all, spend time with her family. She was deeply devoted to her six grandchildren, Trevar Key, Ashlie Key, Erica Key Cook, Darla Chelette, Elinora Ginn, and Byron Ginn and her three great-grandchildren, Aliviah (Livi) Strahan, Olivia Key, and Cayston Key. They were her pride, her joy, and her greatest legacy.
A devout Christian, Peggy was a lifelong member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she faithfully played the piano, just as her mother and grandmother had before her. Her faith was not just something she spoke of; it was something she lived every single day. Peggy was the very definition of a Southern lady. She lived her life with integrity, quiet strength, deep faith, and an unmatched work ethic. She did not look for recognition, but her impact is undeniable. The lives she shaped, the family she built, and the example she set will continue on for generations. Her strength was legendary. Her love was steady. And, her legacy is permanent.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m.Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Liberty Baptist Church with Bro. Harry Bamburg and Bro. James Hester officiating. Interment followed in Davis Springs Cemetery.
The family received friends on Wednesday, April 15 from 6-9 p.m.. at Liberty Baptist Church and on Thursday from 10 a.m. .until service time.
Honoring her as pallbearers were William Key Jr., Jeremy Key, Sabrina Key, Trevar Key, Phillip Walsworth, and Phillip Walsworth Jr.
Serving as honorary pallbearers were William Key Sr., Ashlie Key, Erica Key Cook, Darla Chelette, Elinora Ginn, Byron Ginn, Aliviah (Livi) Strahan, Olivia Key, and Cayston Key.