Peggy Sue Stribling Fisher left this earth with family by her side on July 25, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Gary Fisher, and five children which she had with her former husband, Joe Johnson. They are Sherry Cunningham (Ken), Marla Hollingsworth (Oliver), Cynthia Ryssemus (Steve), Joseph Johnson (Karin) and Mark Johnson (Susann). After marrying Gary, she added more children to her family. Gary’s children are Gene (Crystal), Mike (Jean) and Susie (Mike). She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
She was born on May 29, 1935, to Reverend Roy and Pauline Stribling in Springfield, Mo. She was a Preacher’s kid and moved around to different cities in Missouri as her Dad’s pastorate changed. She had two brothers, Jerry and Tom, who preceded her in death, and is survived by one sister, Paula. Growing up in a Pastor’s home she knew all about God and the Bible. But it wasn’t until the early 1970s that she truly learned what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus and that transformed her life. She was always ready to pray with people and to talk about Jesus. She faithfully prayed for her children and those prayers made a difference in their lives!
Peggy loved people, to be with people, to laugh and have fun. And she loved her family, Nana’s house became a favorite place for the grandkids to come. They loved to visit Nana and Grandpa, especially if they could be there with their 24 cousins! When all 24 of them came for a visit, her house became a magical place full of joy and laughter.
As an adult, she lived in several cities in the Midwest but spent most of her life in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She always had lots of friends, neighbors, coworkers and, most of all, friends from First Assembly Church (now called Radiant Church). Her Sunday school class was especially cherished by her and Gary and they formed a wonderful community of love and help for each other. And Peggy loved children. She couldn’t resist to wave at babies and smile at children that she passed on the sidewalk or sat near at a restaurant.
She worked for many years in the Cedar Rapids Public School system as an elementary school secretary where she touched the lives of many children. They loved to come to the office to see Mrs. Fisher. She had several children through the years that she mentored and spent time with, children who came from broken families and difficult situations.
Peggy will be remembered for her easy laughter, the light in her eyes and her love for her family. But most of all, Peggy will be remembered for her love for Jesus.
The Celebration of Peggy’s Life will be held on Monday, July 31, at 10 a.m. at Radiant Church, 3233 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. John 11:25 says “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.'”
