Carrie Margaret Wesley was born on July 13, 1931, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Burdell Campbell Howard. She was raised in Washington, D.C., alongside her five siblings, where she graduated from Cardozo High School and later attended Cortez Business School. From an early age, Carrie was instilled with values of faith, perseverance, and love—qualities that would guide her throughout her life.

Affectionately known as Peggy, she united in holy matrimony with U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Robert I. Wesley, Jr. on June 21, 1958, in Washington, D.C. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and faith, traveling across the country as part of Robert’s military service. Their journey took them to Florida, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas, and their union was blessed with five children—four sons and one daughter.

When Robert was called to serve in Vietnam, Peggy leaned on her faith and inner strength, settling in Camden, New Jersey, near family while he was often deployed overseas. There, she nurtured and raised her children with unwavering devotion, grace, and resilience. In 1973, Robert retired from the Air Force and returned home, and in 1975, the family moved to Merchantville, New Jersey, where their roots would grow strong for decades to come.

Peggy worked faithfully at Wesley & Pine Printers and Curtis-Young before dedicating many years of service to Toys “R” Us until her retirement. In her later years, she found joy in life’s simple blessings—traveling to visit loved ones in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, taking long walks, reading, and exploring her community throughout South Jersey.

Peggy had a special ministry of kindness through the cards she so lovingly sent. She never missed an opportunity to acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, and often sent “thinking of you” cards just to lift someone’s spirit. Through these small but meaningful acts, she spread love, encouragement, and light to all who knew her.

A woman of faith, Peggy was a devoted member of The Base Chapel at McGuire Air Force Base, where she regularly attended services and found strength and fellowship. In October 1998, her beloved husband, Robert, was called home to be with the Lord. Though she experienced great loss, Peggy continued to walk in faith, drawing closer to God and pouring her love into her family—especially her cherished grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Carrie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength. She is survived by her children—Nathaniel, Robert, Leonard, William, and Karen—and her beloved grandchildren, Wynn, Blake, William A., Robert N., Kierra, and Gianni. She also leaves behind her dear siblings: Barbara, Doris, Robert, Sara, and James.

Though she has departed from this earthly life, we take comfort in knowing that Peggy has been called home to eternal rest in the arms of the Lord. Her life was a testament to God’s grace, and her love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Peggy—lovingly known as Mommy and Nana—will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Flowers Can be sent to:

Atten: Sergent Lett

2503 East Arnold Avenue

Joint Base McGuire Fort Dix, NJ 08641

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carrie's name to UNCF:

UNCF-Donation-Carrie

Remember Carrie Margaret Wesley via UNCF

https://gofundme.uncf.org/campaign/782266/donate