Peggy Fairfax Cosley

Mrs. Peggy Fairfax Cosley of Walkersville, MD was called home to be with Jesus on April 25, 2018 at Kline Hospice House. She was the loving mother of Dymbra Brown and wife of Larry Cosley, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. She was born October 16, 1948 in Washington, DC but spent her formative years in Oak Grove, VA. She was the daughter of the late Thornton and Anna Payne.

Peggy graduated from Douglass High School in Leesburg, VA and completed her undergraduate degree at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Maryland College Park, completing coursework and graduating from Western Maryland McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.

Peggy began and ended her 38-year teaching career at Walkersville High School (WHS). Her passion for education and love of "her students" was apparent through her many accomplishments and the recognition she received. This includes: created a Multicultural Club; served as Student Achievement Coordinator, which enabled struggling students to achieve academic success; wrote and secured grants for Academic Achievement Enhancement for Minority and FARM students; established a mentor program which utilized prominent members of the business and educational community; established an all-female STEP team which performed for over eight years; escorted students on several European tours to London, Paris, Germany, Amsterdam, Italy, Greece and Brussels during Spring breaks; advised for the Bible Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and coordinated Student Service Learning hours with the U.S. Marines "Toys for Tots" program for WHS students for 18 years. In 2006, Peggy was recognized as WHS "Teacher of the Year." Additional awards include the 2007 Educator Excellence for Minority Achievement Award from the statewide Achievement Initiative for Maryland's Minority Students (AIMMS), a division of the Maryland State Department of Education and 2008 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Frederick Club (NANBPW). Also, in 2008 she was presented with the Citizen of the Year award by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Lambda Chapter. In 2012, Peggy was honored by the Walkersville Community at the Annual Community Show for her many contributions to the town. In her own words Peggy defined herself by saying, "the major portion of my life has been dedicated to a career that has shaped who I am and how I identify myself. God entrusted me with the gift of teaching. I AM what He designed me to be, a teacher."

Peggy gave her life to Jesus Christ at a very young age and was baptized by Reverend Clinton L. Rogers, becoming a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA. She later joined First Baptist Church of Merrifield in VA, under the tutelage of Reverend William Dyson. She and her husband Larry joined Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in 1987 under Pastor Luke J. Robinson and together they worked in service of the Lord for many years. Peggy also served 20 years as a minister at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, taught Sunday School and was a member of the Senior Choir for over 30 years. Additionally, she served as a member of the Women's Missionary Society, Catering Committee and Trustee Board. She served as a Class Leader, assisted with the S.A.V.E.D. group to help recovering addicts and co-supervised Vacation Bible School for 11 years.

Peggy is survived by: her husband, Larry; daughter, Dymbra Brown; stepchildren, Natashia Cosley and Jerome Cosley (Tonia); and grandson, Trevor Brown all of Frederick, MD; brothers, Kenny Fairfax of Northern, VA and Thomas Payne (Elaine) of Sterling, VA; sisters, Barbara Fitts (Vince) and Mary Lee Crabbe of Reston, VA, Roberta Glenn of WV Patricia Cormier of Philadelphia, PA, Priscilla Stith (Kareem) of Northern VA, Brenda Branham Jones of Northern VA and Nancy Hill (Jim) of Randallstown, MD; grandchildren, Javon, Brian, O'Shaya, Jasmine, Khalil, Anthony, Jalen, John, Jade, and Palar; three great grandchildren; grandpup, Lola; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by: brothers, Lawrence Mallory, James "Jimmy" Robert Fairfax, Arthur Henry Fairfax, Larry Thornton, and Alvin Thornton; and sister, Carletta Cyrus Parmes. She will be remembered by her BFF of 50+ years, Jacqueline Branch Overton of Tavares, FL, Quinn Chapel Sisters and Brothers in Christ, and many former students.