Peggy James Bumpus

Peggy James Bumpus, 87, widow of the late Joe Bumpus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Peggy was born January 8, 1930 to Ben and Irene (Vineyard) James and grew up on her family’s farm with older brother Roy and younger sister Ruth; with whom she was very close. Peggy attended McEwen High School and later Watkins Institute. She met Joe at a basketball game in Nashville and they went on to enjoy almost 60 years of marriage. She worked for the Atomic Energy Commission at the Savannah River Plant and later for the U.S. Census Bureau. Peggy had many interests including the Cereus Garden Club; she was a Charter and Honorary member, having served as President four different times. She also served as past President of the Aiken Garden Council. For years she frequently submitted winning entries in the Aiken Camellia Society’s annual camellia show. Peggy also enjoyed playing bridge, volunteering at Aiken Regional Medical Center where she logged over 2,800 hours, and church activities. She was an active member of St John’s United Methodist Church for 65 years and was a charter member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. When Joe retired they enjoyed traveling and in earlier years they were active in square dancing. Peggy’s greatest joy however was being active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She loved going to Hilton Head every summer and spending time there with family. Peggy is survived by her brother Roy B. James of Union City, TN, sister Ruth Long of Franklin, TN, and children Lisa (Dennis) Lyell of Goreville, IL and Kevin (Tina) Bumpus of Knoxville, TN. Survivors also include grandsons Seth (Lindsey) Shepherd of Goreville, IL, Wesley Bumpus and fiancée Julia Berkelhammer of Raleigh, NC, Adam (Kendall) Bumpus of Knoxville, TN, and Dylan (Caroline) Lyell of Marion, IL, and great grandson Jaxon Shepherd. She is also survived by step grandchildren Lee (Valerie) Lyell of Marion, IL, Jason Lyell and Megon Lyell of Christopher, IL and step great grandchildren Brandon and Alyssa Holland and Ryker Lyell, and many nieces and nephews. Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; brother-in-law Jack Long and sister-in-law Maxine James. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. John’s United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Tim McLendon officiating followed by a reception in Ward Hall, to which everyone is welcome to come share memories of Peggy. Members of Aiken Regional Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Interment will be held privately in Aiken Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s United Methodist Church bus fund, 104 Newberry St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801 SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC Peggy’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Peggy James Bumpus, please visit our flower store.