Marion Gene Rogers Peel

Marion Gene Peel, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital, surrounded by the family she loved.

Born to Marion and Verniece Rogers, Gene lived a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. She was the widow of the late Eugene Beatty Peel, with whom she shared six children.

A faithful member of New Haven Chapel, Gene attended church services and Bible study whenever her health allowed. Her faith was a source of strength throughout her life and was evident in the way she treated others—with kindness, compassion, and a generous heart. Her church family was deeply loved and appreciated by her.

Gene is survived by her children, Hugh Darrell Peel, Damon Martin Peel, Lori Jean Clagett, Jesse Lane (Amy) Peel, and Rita Colette Whitaker, widow of Craig Alan Whitaker. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Terry Ann Woodward.

She was the proud Granny, Nana, and Old Nana to thirteen grandchildren: Amanda (Derek) Gilbert, Donald (Lexie) Woodward, Christian Woodward, Maryann (Colin) Heenan, Ashley (Shawn) Hoke, Chase Peel, Emily Peel, William Cody Clagett, Casey Lane Peel, Frank (Alissa) Peel, Aaron (Sydney) Whitaker, Hannah (Hayden) Whitaker, and Chloe Arden Whitaker. She was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her endless joy.

Gene was also preceded in death by her grandson, Drew Beatty Clagett, and her son-in-law, Craig Allen Whitaker, whom she loved as one of her own children.

She leaves behind her best friend of over forty years, Douglas Blair.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Gene, it was that she loved taking care of people. She worried about everyone—her children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. She wanted to know that everyone had made it home safely, that they were feeling okay, that they had enough to eat, and that they knew they were loved. Her concern for others never ended because her love for them never did.

One of the ways Gene showed that love was through cooking. She found happiness in feeding the people she loved, and no one ever left her table hungry. Her family will forever remember the comfort of her cooking and the feeling of being welcomed home.

Gene had a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and a way of making people feel important. She was always willing to help someone in need, offer words of encouragement, or say a prayer for those who were struggling. She gave freely of herself and expected nothing in return.

More than anything, Gene loved her family. Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was the greatest joy of her life. She celebrated every accomplishment, worried through every hardship, and loved each member of her family with her whole heart.

Funeral services will be at 11am on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Betts and West Funeral Home with Pastor Donny Bowen officiating. Burial will follow at Mose Reynolds Cemetery with Hugh Darrell Peel, Aaron Whitaker, Frank Peel, Donald Woodward, Douglas Blair, and William Rhoades honoring her memory as bearers.

Visitation will be held from 4-8:00PM on Tuesday. June 2, 2026, at the funeral home.