Delores "Aunt Peggy" Howlett, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Known and loved by generations simply as "Aunt Peggy," she touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

She was born on May 25, 1932, in Paynesville, Missouri, to Isaac Wright, Sr. and Opal Wright. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Isaac D. "Ike" Wright, Jr.

Aunt Peggy worked at Dr. Scholl's Shoes in Chicago and Anderson Clayton in Jacksonville before joining and retiring from Nestlé. Never one to slow down, Aunt Peggy later worked at Maxamillion's, where she enjoyed staying active, meeting people, and continuing to be a familiar and friendly presence in the community.

Throughout her life, Aunt Peggy was an advocate for justice, dignity, education, and equal opportunity. For decades, she served as a powerful force for positive change in Jacksonville and the surrounding communities.

From helping establish the foundation of the NAACP in Jacksonville in the late 1960s, to organizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, to championing Juneteenth and preserving the legacy of the Underground Railroad, Aunt Peggy's leadership and dedication left an enduring mark on Morgan County.

Her tireless efforts helped bring about the establishment of a lasting Martin Luther King Jr. monument, improvements to parks and playgrounds, and scholarship opportunities that benefited generations of young people. Aunt Peggy's commitment to fairness, education, and community service inspired countless individuals and will continue to impact the lives of many for years to come.

Aunt Peggy was a beloved aunt, family member, mentor, and friend. To relatives, neighbors, friends, and community members alike, she was simply "Aunt Peggy"—a title that reflected the love, respect, and admiration so many had for her. Above all, she deeply loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Tonna Wright-Hamilton of Springfield and Angela Hunter of Galesburg; Randy Wright and Craig (Tami) Wright of Jacksonville; and Andy (Melissa) Wright of Ashland.

She is also survived by her great-nieces and nephews: NaKeya (Glen) Austin of Springfield, Evann Wright of Decatur, CJ Wright of Chatham, Tyler Wright of Tucson, Natasha Wright of Shawnee, Drew and Riley Wright of Ashland, Pamara Thomas of Galesburg, Natasha Trent of Portland, and Jessica Hunter of Chicago; as well as her great-great-nieces and nephews: Amaya, Alexa, and Aden Austin of Springfield; Brody and Bennett Wright of Chatham; Kinsley and Harlow Wright of Chatham; and several cousins and special friends whom she loved as family.

Aunt Peggy's compassion, strength, determination, deep love for her family and friends, and dedication to her community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A woman of deep faith, she regularly attended and worshiped at various churches throughout the Jacksonville area. Her legacy of service, advocacy, faith, and love will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM., with the service following at 4:00 PM. Burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the NAACP (Jacksonville Branch) for a scholarship in honor of Delores. Checks can be mailed to: NAACP Jacksonville Branch (Branch 3017B), PO Box 452, Jacksonville, IL 62650.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements.