Peggy Richardson of Denton, age 79, died peacefully on July 26, 2018. She will be remembered for her laughter and creativity; her friendly and outgoing personality tinted with a love of life; her commitment to family and friends; her many contributions to Education; and her zest for traveling.

A memorial service to celebrate Peggy's life will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:30 in the Cole Chapel at First United Methodist Church of Denton with Rev. Don Lee officiating.

She was born November 9, 1938, to Maebelle and Garland Richardson in Zebulon, N.C. She graduated from Wakelon High School in Zebulon. Subsequently, she received her B.S. degree from the University of North Carolina (Greensboro), M.A. degree from The Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. from Texas Woman's University. She taught physical education and health at Mt. Holyoke College, MA; Ohio State University; Texas Woman's University; and the University of North Texas. She retired from UNT in 2002 as a Regents Professor and Professor Emeritus. At UNT, Peggy taught Kinesiology (motor behavior, sport sociology, sport psychology and women in sports and movement) for 32 years. In her earlier years at UNT she coached the women's softball and tennis teams. She was on numerous college and university committees and she served in an administrative role as Assistant Chair for 10 years and Interim Chair (1992-93) in Kinesiology. Peggy authored over 40 refereed articles in national and international journals, 10 book chapters, and co-authored two books. She received many honors among which were the League for Professional Women Annual Award, Women's Sports Foundation Advisory Board, Certified Consultant in Sport Psychology, Fellow in the American Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Ethel Martus Lawther Alumni Award (UNCG), USOC Sports Psychology Registry, and Regents Professor of Kinesiology.

Through the years, Peggy was active in the life of First United Methodist Church as a receptionist, member of the Welcoming Committee, Stewardship Committee, and secretary to the Executive and Administrative Boards. After retirement she provided time, service and commitment to many civic organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Interfaith Ministries of Denton, and a myriad of others.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Sidney Richardson, one sister, Jean R. Liles, one nephew, Lee Liles, and friend and companion Ruth Elizabeth (Betsy) Tandy.

She is survived by her loving family— sister-in-law Carolyn Richardson Kayota of Carolina Shores, NC, two nieces Lawre L.(Greg) Johnson of Zebulon and Sindy (Kevin) Gray of Raleigh, and one nephew Lawrence Wesley Liles, Jr. (Beverly Blow) of Raleigh.   She is also survived by great niece Scotlan Liles and eight great nephews Wren Liles, Garrett and Grant Johnson, Brandon and Justin Gray, and Richard, Thomas and John Liles; her extended Wisconsin family Betsy and Peggy Ballmann and Missy McFarlane; and her Denton "family" Dr. Bettye Myers, Kay Kolb, Pat Miller., Nancye Hood, and Bonnie Kline.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's memory to First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Locust St., Denton, TX 76201; the Peggy A. Richardson Scholarship in Kinesiology, Development Office, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203; Interfaith Ministries of Denton, 1109 N. Elm St., Denton, TX; or any charity of your choice.