Margaret "Peggy" Altman McClees

Margaret "Peggy" Altman McClees, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 13th, 2026, at the age of 79.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, February 23rd at Cherry Point Baptist Church in Havelock, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m., a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall immediately after the service.

Peggy was born on July 7, 1946, to Florence Elizabeth and Francis Marion Altman, Sr. She was the eldest of five children, followed by her sister Sandra “Sandy”, and three brothers, Francis Marion Jr. “Marion”, Athol Gilmore II, and Jody Weaver. She grew up in Oriental, NC, and graduated from Pamlico High School in 1964. After high school, she began dating a local boy, William McClees, Jr. Like many other teenagers, they would frequent Red Lee’s grill in downtown Oriental, listening to songs on the jukebox. She and William were later married on June 22nd, 1968.

Peggy obtained her undergraduate degree in Child Development from UNC Greensboro (formerly Women’s College of UNC), and her Master’s of Education from East Carolina University. She was an elementary teacher and later headmaster at Gramercy Christian School in Newport. She also helped with office management tasks for many years at William’s veterinary practice, Havelock Animal Hospital. She made room for leisure, planning out trips or cruises, often with her family or friends by her side. She especially enjoyed taking trips with and for her grandchildren. She enjoyed the comforts of home, as well, watching a crime drama on TV, or playing a game or two (or several) with dear friends at the dining table.

The most central part of Peggy’s character was her love for the Lord. She “let [her] light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16, ESV). She could often be found humming a hymn as she went about her day, or preparing for her next Bible study. She demonstrated great service and hospitality, often hosting great crowds for shared meals at “The Shop” at her & William’s house. She and William were active members of Cherry Point Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her siblings, her brother Athol Altman and her brother, Jody Weaver; sister-in-law, Jane Tyndall; and daughter, Paula Tyndall Steele.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Dr. William McClees, Jr.; siblings, Marion Altman (Donna) and Sandra Bond (George); children, Michael McClees (Beth), Valerie Reed (Nicky), Tom McClees, and Eric Steele (Abby); grandchildren, Jackson McClees (Makayla), Wyatt McClees, Reece Reed, Bentley Reed, Tyndall Steele, Janeson Steele, Marett Steele, Hartleigh Steele, and Davis Steele; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “General Fund” of Cherry Point Baptist Church, 212 Church Rd., Havelock, NC 28532.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.