Monticello Live

On March 3, 1932 Thurston and Maude Berryman welcomed to the world a baby girl and named her Peggy. Seventy-five years later she’s just as full of life as ever. Peggy Berryman Evins is proud to call Monticello her lifelong home.

In 1950, Peggy married George Stanley Evins, a serviceman, and they began a family. Peggy spent her life caring for her late husband George, who became a parapalegic, and her children. Phyllis Evins Bone lives in Dardanelle, AR, David Evins in Waterloo, IA, and Michael Evins in Jonesboro, AR. Although they visit and remain close at heart, Peggy has no relatives here in Monticello. She is not alone, though, and considers her church family and her fellow employees her family.

In June 2002 Peggy went to work for Union Bank and has not regretted it at all. What started as a courier position has now become something much more. Not only does Peggy deliver bank mail between brances, she takes care of most of the mail, sometimes operates the switchboard, helps get monthly statements to customers, and more. She loves her job, especially the parts that involve helping others in the community. As a bank representative she sends newspaper clippings to children and adults who’ve made newsworthy accomplishments, assists with the Grand Club of Union Bank, and took part in developing a benevolence program to reach out to Monticellonians who have lost a loved one. In addition to helping the bereaved, Peggy sends cards to shut-ins, customers who are ill and those living in nursing homes or other facilities. Basically, she’s in the business of doing whatever needs to be done. Having such a wide array of jobs definitely keeps her from becoming bored! Peggy says her favorite things about working for Union Bank are that she works for good people and that it’s such a good feeling to know that she’s helped others.

It’s apparent that the Union Bank family loves and cares for Peggy as much as she does them.

Brandon Hogg said in his recommendation of Peggy for One Monticello Life: “Peggy does a wonderful job for the bank, but I believe her true gift to our community is the heart and soul that she puts forth in her duties. She truly has a burden for the people of Drew County (and the surrounding counties) and I cannot tell you how many compliments and how much appreciation she receives. She goes above and beyond anything required of her by the bank.”

Michelle LaFever said: “She’ll do anything asked of her and really enjoys it. She just has a way with people!”

Ashley Echols said: “There’s so much to say but I can’t find the words. She loves entertaining customers and serving them. She’s a great help on customer appreciation days, Open House events, the Grand Club, and more. She knows everybody by name and is a ray of sunshine. She’s really a hoot. Mrs. Peggy thrives at what she does and has sincerity, which makes her a great voice for the bank.”

Kathy Lyons said: “I think she’s wonderful. She gives invaluable insight that’s age related for the Grand Club, our community group of senior citizens, and I’m honored that she helps me. She is such an asset to our bank as a people person who is so generous with her time. She has traditional values but is in touch with today and is a big part of our link between the bank and community. In a nutshell, everyone needs a Peggy working with them. She gives 110% and her effect on this bank is immeasurable.”

Peggy remembers her youth in Monticello with fondness. Things have changed a lot over the years. The bobby socks and long, swirly skirts are a thing of the past. It was a time she remembers as having nothing to be afraid of. She and friends could play in the street, walk to and from a movie at night, and go about daily life without fear. A favorite pastime was skating (roller-skating, that is). There were no computers, no world wide web with news in a flash; but there was a full and enjoyable life. At seventy-five she continues to live what she calls her wonderful life to the fullest.

Her advice to the younger generations is, “Thank God for your life because you don’t really know how fragile and short it is. Obey your parents and the law. Be honest in everything you do. Be active and stay healthy. Thank God for all He’s done for you.” Words of wisdom worth remembering from this one Monticello Life: Peggy Evins.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 11th, 2007 at 6:32 am and is filed under Feature: OML, Site. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.