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.
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Pam and Lori, the Shack family sends the deepest condolences. Your mom was the life of the parties at the Shack.
Mrs. Peggie will be deeply missed especially that bananna pudden and chop BBQ. The Shack was very blessed to have Mrs. Peggie as a part of our family.
My God strengthen you and your family,, with love, Honda Smith CEO of 333 Valley Street An Intergenerational Organization known as the Shack.
I last saw Peggie at my aunt Tavie’s 80th birthday celebration. I was so glad to see after over 30 years. My sincere condolences to Pam, Lori and family.
To Pam and Lori and the entire family my prayers and condolences.
Miss Peggie a friend, neighbor and a coworker at DDS for many years. The care and respect she gave to the Individuals she cared for and loved was awesome as well as her family and friends she will be missed. Rest In Paradise.🙏🏼💐
Peggie and I were classmates at Garland Elementary School and Clear Run High School, Garland N.C. We traveled together to several School reunions. Her humor and fun ribbing will be sorely missed. Praying for her family. 🙏🏽
Aunt Peggie was the ” Super Glue ” ❤️🙏🏾🙌🏾 to our family, friends and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Always lending a helping hand for any reason, talk, a delicious meal, prayer 🙏🏾 or monetarily. Always would great you with a smile hug and a to go plate
when ever you left her house. Aunt Peggie you are and always will be Truly Loved ❤️ and Dearly Missed 💔😢 .May you Now and Forever Rest in Heavenly Peace 🪽🪽⚘️
To the Draughn family
May you find peace during this time of bereavement
You’re in my prayers
On behalf of Lena Hollingsworth and Mr Hollingsworth I send my condolences to her and family 🙏 on the passing of her beloved sister Peggy asking God for mercy on them at this time of their loss, grant Peggy her RIP RIG
Deepest condolences and love to the Peggy Caldwell family. May God comfort you all at this difficult time. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.
Annie Hollingsworth & Children.
WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES 💐 TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN MAY GOD TAKE GREAT CARE OF HER , AMEN 🙏
Ms peggie you will be truly missed. May your soul reach the pearly gates in heaven of eternal life
Lori l, Pam and children my deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. So many memories I have of your Mom she was definitely one of a kind special lady and she will truly be missed. I love you guys.
My Condolences to the family. May she rest well.
Rochellee Gray
On behalf of the Clear Run High School Alumni Association (CRHSAA) and its Board of Directors, we would like to express our sincere sorrow to the Caldwell Family for the loss of Peggie J. Caldwell of the class of 1963. She was always supportive of the organization and attended the Reunions when she could. In addition, she was a great classmate. She will be truly missed by all. May God grant the family peace, comfort and strength.
Donald Vann, CM, Class of 1968 President – CRHSAA
Peggy was a delightful person that was loved by all. The Seniors at the Shack will miss our dear beloved sister.
May God for ever bless and keep my family in his care
Sending my heartfelt sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family. Peggy was what I called a phenomenal woman, I heard all the good things she did for many people and all the talents she had, especially cooking. had the pleasure of seeing her at the Senior program at the Shack. Rest in Paradise Queen..
May God grant you peace with Ms Peggie passing. She was always nice and a special smile for everyone.
Cheryl and I were classmates and Aunt Peggie treated me like family.
Pam, Lori and Family, Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Look to the skies , your Angel will always be there. Much peace and love with all your bereavements. Prayers with Blessings belong to you with caring of joys and memories.
Love Draughns*
Lena Hollingsworth (Pastor Hollingsworth) On behalf of the Watkins & Pettway Family please know that you all are in our prayers, as well as the entire family. Just remember God is carrying you through, never leaving your side just like He said He would. Deepest sympathy.
Watkins and Pettway family (Alabama)
Dear Pam, Lori and the entire Draughn family, it is with great sorrow to hear of the passing of our dear beloved friend, Peggy, she was such a Beautiful Soul, I remember the days, Roy & I would attend the Class Reunions in Garland, NC,
Roy and I would look forward to the talking about the good old days that he shared with his former Classmates, I will always remember the conversations, dancing, enjoying each others company and meeting new friends and reminiscing with old friends too I will never forget her affectionate smile,
Prayers to the family
Roy & Barbara Richardson
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to Pam, Lori and the extended family. So sorry for your loss.Peggie was an amazing person with a radiant spirit her kindness and thoughtfulness was always present. It was a pleasure working with her at DDS (Shepard Avenue) Wishing the family strength and comfort during this time of season. God Bless You ALL. ❤️❤️🙏
On behalf of the Garland community my sincere condolences Peggy will truly be missed bt the Longview community
My condolences 🙏🏾 to your family, wishing you strength and comfort during this time. May your Mother Rest In Peace
Dear Family
We have lost not only an aunt, but the soul of our family gatherings, especially through cooking. Each dish she prepared was a piece of her heart served on a plate. Her absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but her legacy lives on in every cherished memory of her.
Heartfelt condolences to Cousins Pam, Lori and Family.
I send my heart felt sympathy to Peggy’s entire family what a wonderful human being she was. She was an Angel on this earth. Now she is wearing her heavenly angel wings the Heavenly Gates were open and the Angels were right waiting for her too come on in Rest In Paradise my dear sweet Peggy
My sincere condolences to the family for passing of your mother. May God’s Comforter keep all of you strong during this sad time in your lives.
Pam, Laurie , Dede and the entire family:
From the first day my family moved across the street from Ms. Peggy she has always treated us as family and showed us great kindness. I am thankful for our friendship and will miss having her as wonderful neighbor and friend.
Our continued prayers to all the family
Love
Shari, Okari and Sarina
To my Bestie Pam , Lori, and the family Peggie was one of kind. Always wllling to help out where needed and yes she will definitely missed but, know this to be absent from the body is to be present will be present with the lord sending my prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️😇
To the entire family you have our deepest condolences for your loss.
May you find peace and comfort in your mother’s memory.
Words cannot express how saddened we are.
Pam,Lori and Family,I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolence. Mrs Peggy was a pleasure to have known and to have worked with! She’ll be missed!
Sending thoughts of love and strength during this difficult time. Your mom will always be “Aunt Peggie” to me. I remember her as someone who was always smiling, encouraging and caring for others and whipping up the best meals ever.
I will miss her.
Lynda
To The Family of Peggie,
So very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Peggie very long. We met at the Hamden Senior Center. She was such a kind generous giving lady. It was always nice to see her friendly self. Last Thanksgiving she made Sweet Potato pies for a few of us at the senior center. And my family really enjoyed the pie. Not just for this but for so many of her kindnesses, she will truly be missed. May God comfort and give you strength and peace in this time of sorrow. My deepest condolences.
Dorothy Wollensack from the Hamden Senior Center
To my family
I thank God for this beautiful angel I affectionately called Mom (Auntie Mom) beautiful, caring, generous, selfless, loving, thoughtful, protective..I can go on and on about her great character. Truly honestly greatly loved and sincerely missed.
Love you and keeping all of you in our prayers.
To the Draughn Family I’m so sorry about your loss!! She will be missed very much!! She will be with us always in spirit!! May she continues to R.I.P!! Much love always Family