Maggie Lee Mincey

Maggie Lee (Peterson) Mincey was born on August 8, 1944, in Thomasville, GA, to her loving parents, the late Arthur James Peterson and Mary Peterson. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ when she joined the family church, Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist in Thomas County, GA. Maggie spent her early childhood in Thomas County, where she was educated in the Thomas County School System. Later, as an adult, she lived in Detroit, Michigan and Miami, Florida.

In the early 70s, Maggie returned to Thomasville, where she spent the remainder of her life. She was employed by the Thomasville City School System, where she worked in the cafeteria at Thomasville High School. Maggie honed her skills as a cook and food service worker. As part of her duties, she planned and prepared meals, operated commercial-grade kitchen equipment, and was an expert with federal and state regulations related to nutrition and food safety. Maggie devoted over 30 years to serving students at Thomasville High School. She greeted each student with kindness and a smile. Maggie lived by the code that no child went unfed on her watch. Known for her generous heart—and equally generous servings, she always made sure students had a little extra on their plates to help them tackle the daily rigors of their education, because in her eyes, learning was always easier on a full stomach.

After leaving the Thomasville City School System, Maggie embarked on a new endeavor. In 1998, she worked for Ms. Daphne F. Wood, proprietor of the Live Oak Hunting Estate in Monticello, FL. During her twenty-year tenure, Maggie really showcased her expert skills as a cook. Though never formally trained in culinary arts, Maggie possessed the natural talent of a seasoned chef. She delighted family, friends, and the community with her mastery of southern comfort food, savory pasta dishes, and exquisite preparations of wild game such as quail and duck. Cooking was not just her gift, it was her lifelong passion, which was shared with all who gathered at her table.

In the latter part of her life, Maggie devoted herself wholeheartedly to serving the children and families of her community. Known affectionately as a "community mom," she volunteered with the Thomas County School District, riding the bus each day with elementary school students to ensure their safety and brighten their mornings with her warmth and care. During the holiday season, she made it her mission to bring joy to those in need—adopting a family each year and personally selecting toys and gifts so that every child would have presents to open on Christmas morning. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for others left an indelible mark on countless hearts.

In the early morning hours on August 8, 2025, Maggie transitioned to her new eternal home.

Those to celebrate her life and legacy are her children: Connie Francis Jackson, Thomasville, GA, Terry Mincey (Danette), Charleston, SC, Joseph Mincey, Atlanta, GA, and Joyce Ann Williams, Thomasville, GA; her siblings, Johnnie Peterson (Drucilla), Thomasville, GA, Marine Bowdry (Willie), Thomasville, GA, Francis Kegler (Walter), Newark, NJ, Bennie Peterson, Newark, NJ,  Frankie Peterson (Addie), Miami, FL, Doretha Jackson (William), Detroit, MI, and Nadine Young (Eugene), Thomasville, GA. Maggie was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Stephen Lundy, La Darius Mincey, Carrington Jackson, Jennifer Mincey, Kayla Mincey, Julian Mincey, Olivia Mincey, Quinton Holland, Brandon Walton, Destinii Walton; and 17 great-grandchildren and a host of supportive nieces,  nephews, loving cousins, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her baby Hank Mincey, siblings: Samuel Peterson Sr. (Hazel), Boynton Beach FL, Missouri Peterson Lee, Thomasville, GA, and Ruth Marie Munroe, of Thomasville, GA