Peggie Caldwell, born on January 14, 1946, in Garland, North Carolina, was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph Caldwell and Mary Lamb Swain (Jeremiah Swain). After graduating from Clear Run High School, she relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where she married her former husband, Julius Draughn. Together, they had two daughters, Pamela and Lori Draughn, and she lovingly embraced six stepchildren as her own.

Throughout her life, Peggie was dedicated to learning and personal growth. She attended New Haven Cosmetology School, South Central Community College (now Gateway Community College), and Southern Connecticut State University. A woman of deep faith, she served as a Sunday school teacher and usher at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hamden, CT, and worshipped at Living Word Ministries and St. Stephens AME Zion Church.

Peggie was known for her tireless work ethic. Often juggling two jobs, she worked at Pratt & Whitney, Rite-Way Cleaners, Burndy Corporation, New Haven Furniture, the New Haven Register, and Winchester Repeating Arms. She eventually found her true calling at the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), where she served for over 30 years before retiring in 2016.

In addition to her professional life, Peggie was a talented caterer, famous for her chopped barbecue and affectionately dubbed the “Jerrie Curl Queen” of New Haven County. She also volunteered with Connecticut Hospice in Branford and worked the polls on election days in Hamden.

Peggie was the life of every party, entering any room with a dance and a smile. She was known for her love of music, her sense of humor, and her joy in family game nights, especially playing cards (and playfully cheating). She was a caregiver by nature, continuing to look after her brother and sister-in-law even while facing her own illness. Peggie also enjoyed senior activities at The Shack of New Haven and the Hamden Senior Center, where she loved playing bingo with her sister-in-law, Mary Draughn.

She is survived by her daughters: Pamela Draughn (Christian & Devin) and Lori Draughn (Martin, Derrisha & Tiana); Bonus children, Bridget Draughn, Kevin Monroe of New Haven, Karen Draughn of Hamden, Eric Draughn of Whitakers, NC and Vanessa Draughn of Hackensack, NJ; siblings, Evadell Plumer and Lillie Cole of Georgia, Lena Hollingsworth (Randolph) of Arizona, Wanda James (Theady) of North Carolina and George Swain (Lynette) of Utah.

Peggie is also survived by nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was predeceased by her sister Maryann Jones, brothers William McCoy, Jeremiah Swain Jr., and Tracy Lamb, and her bonus son Julius Draughn Jr.

A celebration of Peggie’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9:00 AM at St. Stephens AME Zion Church, 31 Rogers Street, Branford, CT. Friends and family may view at the church from 8:00–9:00 AM. Burial will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven.

The service will be livestreamed via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/740132318445616/