Peggy A. Kelso, 86, of Jonesboro, departed this life on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at her home.

She was born on September 22, 1939, in Jonesboro to Nathan and Faye Caldwell Atkinson. As a young child, Peggy moved to Lepanto, where she would eventually meet and marry the love of her life, Wayne Kelso. They were united in marriage in 1959 and shared 66 devoted years together.

In 1970, Peggy and Wayne moved to Jonesboro, where they spent the majority of their lives and raised their three children. Beginning in the early 1980s, they split their time between Jonesboro and Hot Springs, successfully operating businesses in both communities. Peggy managed all business functions of The Kelso Firm, working alongside her husband and two sons in real estate and construction. Her steady guidance, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication were instrumental to the firm’s success.

Peggy was a longtime member of Southwest Church of Christ.

Her life revolved around her family. She rarely missed a single event or activity during her children’s upbringing, and she carried that same devotion into the lives of her six grandchildren. If there was a ballgame, dance performance, school event, or halftime flag performance — she was there. Known lovingly as “Gram,” “Grandma,” or “Memaw,” she answered every call with presence and love.

Peggy was never happier than when she and Wayne had their entire family gathered together. To celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019, they took a family trip to Walt Disney World — one of her favorite vacation spots — because she wanted nothing more than to have all of her children and grandchildren together.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Faye Caldwell Atkinson, and her sister, Joyce Glover of Searcy.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Kelso; her children, Doug Kelso (Debbie) of Hot Springs, Ken Kelso of Jonesboro, and Shari Doty (Steve) of Jonesboro; her grandchildren, Fred Kelso (Teah Donoho) of Hot Springs, Brittany (Mike) Morrow of Hot Springs, Madison Kelso (Chase Lee) of Fort Worth, Mary Kate DuBar (Justin) of Jonesboro, Brandon Doty of Omaha, Nebraska, and Ashlyn (Cullan) Weaver of Jonesboro; her great-granddaughter, Mary John Weaver of Jonesboro; a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Lillian Rome DuBar; Great grandson Austin Morrow, and great-great granddaughter Penelope Morrow, and her nephew, Stan Glover (Cara) of Vilonia and their family.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 15, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, February 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Emerson Funeral Home with burial to follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Her legacy is one of devotion, faith, hard work, and unconditional love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.