Dorothy Margaret "Peggy" Creasman Swicegood
May 28, 1932 ~ November 15, 2025
Born in:
Arden, North Carolina
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailSurrounded by her family, Peggy (Dorothy Margaret) Creasman Swicegood peacefully passed away on November 15, 2025, at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. A lifelong resident of Arden, North Carolina, Peggy was born on May 28, 1932, to the late Jesse James Creasman and Florence Marie (Spain) Creasman.
Peggy’s life was rooted in a deep love for her community and for the mountains she called home. She owned Little Pigs Barbecue, worked with the FBI in Washington, D.C., and later served as an officer at Asheville Federal Savings and Loan. A devoted parishioner and former Vestry member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she lived her faith through quiet acts of service and generosity.
She found joy in simple things—UNC sports, swimming, long walks, and staying active. She loved music of every kind and had a lifelong appreciation for poetry. Peggy cherished traveling with her husband, Joe, exploring the world together across more than six decades of marriage. Yet the Blue Ridge Mountains remained her sanctuary. The land she shared with Joe, their children, and countless friends—alive with streams, flowers, bears, and birds—was her heart’s home.
More than anything, Peggy loved her family. She is survived by her daughters, Michele Demetriou and Hope Byrd; her son, Carr Swicegood, and his wife, Lynda; and her grandchildren Steven (Carly) and Alexander (Sarah) Demetriou, Reggie (Sarah) King, Robert Byrd, Joseph, Andrew (Liz), and Sarah Margaret Swicegood. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Peggy was also preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her grandsons, Christopher and Phillip Byrd; her brothers, Eugene and Jack Creasman; and her sisters, Edith Gasperson and Evelyn Butler.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff, caregivers, and friends at Deerfield for the kindness and care they showed Peggy throughout her time there.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church at trinityasheville.org or to the St. Giles Chapel Fund, 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
Services
Celebration of Life: November 19, 2025 2:00 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Michelle, Hope, and Carr
I am sorry to hear your Mom passed away. I always thought your Mom was one classy Lady! She always made me feel special whenever I saw her. In our high school/college years when I spent a lot of time at your house on Long Shoals Road she and I had many conversations about everything. I always felt welcome. Like I had a second home! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bobby Lineback
Growing up here all my life my family went to Little Pigs a lot. Joe and the staff were always welcoming!!
Such a down to earth family. I know you will miss your Beautiful Mom just think of all the wonderful memories.
God Bless you🙏
It’s been said that death is not the final sleep- but the first real awakening!
So when birds are singing, and you hear the wind whistle through the trees, let that music be a remembrance of Peggy’s presence…in her absence. Unseen, she lives on in the precious memories of all who loved her. And beyond time and space she lives on joyfully, safe with Jesus, and reunited with those who preceded her.
1 Corinthians 2:9
“Eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor has even entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.”
Aurevoir dear Peggy!
When four of us(Lynne and Bruce and Jancy and Bill) moved to Asheville from New York, approximately 20 years ago, Peggy and Joe Swicegood welcomed us with open arms.
We didn’t know much about Southerners and they did know much about “Jewish folks”.
In those few moments, a friendship was born. Curiosity turned into respect, love and understanding.
NIA classes with Peggy were always fun and funny. When everyone was turning right, Peggy was turning left. Same thing with dance lessons… oh, surely Joe knew his left from his right but Peggy wanted to lead. No surprise there… right?
Driving with Peggy was a whole other experience as her eye sight began to fail her. I drove with her once and thereafter, I picked her up!
Peggy was a strong, generous, definitive and honorable woman who was propelled forward by her love for family and her strong religious beliefs.
I will miss her and as well as going to visit her now and again with Elaine.
May her memory be for a blessing for her family and friends.
Rest in peace, my friend.
when we took dance lessons… Joe knew left from right but Peggy wanted to lead!
I loved when Peggy regaled me with Asheville stories, including the history of their Walnut Cove home and property.
Hope, Carr and Michelle – the Pressley family is thinking of all of you and sending our love. Your mom, dad and family have been a stronghold in this community for many years and for many people. An anchor that for those who know, know! Your mom and dad are now reunited in eternity. May their light shine on!! ❤️
Michele , Hope & Carr,
So sorry to hear about your mom.
While I left Asheville years ago I remember the bike rides to Long Shoals, the hours on the basketball court and at the Swicegood dinner table like it was yesterday. I have thought of you all often. They are memories still at the forefront of all that has passed. I mourn with you.
Sweet memories of days gone past, Peggy, that includes welcoming our sons at St Joseph’s hospital on the same day! There are many tributes to your warm friendliness and caring for others of which I totally agree. So blessed that our paths crossed in this world, my forever friend. Hugs to Michelle, Hope and Carr.
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”
Hope, Carr and Michelle…
So sorry to hear about Peggy‘s passing.
She was blessed with a long and rewarding life. I remember her as charming as well as a graceful lady. Peggy loved her mountains. Had wonderful times with Peggy and Joe and you guys. Prayers…🙏