Peggy Haynes Young

ASHEVILLE – Peggy Haynes Young, 89, passed away on May 13, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Like many women of her generation, Peggy defined herself through marriage and motherhood as a young adult. But as her children grew, she longed for a voice of her own. She found it in community service and her church.

Peggy was a member of First Baptist Church of Asheville for the majority of her life. She attended Mars Hill College and the University of North Carolina-Asheville. She served on the North Carolina Council on the Status of Women and was a long-time Board member at Eliada Home. Her volunteer work included New York University Hospital, Appalachian Hall, and Irene Wortham Day Care Center. She loved being a chaperone for the Miss Asheville and Miss North Carolina pageants in the 1970’s. She was a member of the Symphony Guild, the National Preservation Society, and founded the Asheville Leaf and Petal Garden Club. She enjoyed traveling, landscaping, and decorating.

Her parents, Mallie and Charles Haynes, preceded her in death, as did her husband, Frank W. Young. Having been an only child, Peggy felt especially blessed with each one of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by a son, James Mark Hughes, wife Sandra, and her daughter Melanie Hughes Mikkelsen, husband David. Twin granddaughters, Katherine Mikkelsen Benenson (Will), Mallie Mikkelsen (Jack Trainor), Tiffany Alexander Hughes, Marcus Hughes, Marsela Hughes Marshall (Richard), Austin Hughes (Eden), and two great granddaughters. Her lifelong friend and caregiver Darlene Thompson is especially cherished.

The Family would like to thank Eryn Miller and Lillian Sawyers, who provided much care and comfort during her final days.

Donations in her memory may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.

A funeral will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, May17th, 2026, in the Chapel of First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801 with Rev. Dr. Kendra Plating officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, Asheville.

Peggy's desire for others is to honor your parents, hug your children, and celebrate life!

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be caring for Peggy’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.