Mrs. Peggy Jo Matthews, 91, of Harbor Light Marina Road, Lavonia, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 peacefully at her home.

Born on September 26, 1934 in Staley NC, she was the daughter of the late Howard Glenn Matthews and Laura Cook Matthews.  Mrs. Matthews was an Accountant, where she worked for several accounting firms, as a staff Accountant, before establishing her own firm.  She was one of the founders of the Hart County Botanical Garden, a Master Gardner and volunteered for several non-profit organizations.  She was also a member of the Hartwell First Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband: Al J. Braxton; two step-sons: Jay Braxton of Mooresville NC and Roger Braxton of Bowman GA; two sisters: Kate Watts of New Bern NC and Glenda Vickery of Myrtle Beach SC and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her parents; a step-daughter: Joanna Dawn Braxton, a brother: Richard Matthews, and three sisters: Agnes Lineberry, Dot Glesson, and Ida Matthews.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Peggy Matthews will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart officiating.  A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA  30643 or to the Hart County Botanical Gardens, P.O. Box 44, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.