Biography:

Margaret “Peggy” Mary Dickinson passed away on July 11, 2026. She was born on February 18, 1950, a blue-eyed baby girl named Margaret Mary Nestrud, to Loretta and Charles Nestrud in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the youngest of five children. She is survived by her husband, Haskell, three children, Eleanor, Haskell and Thomas, and six beautiful grandchildren.

Early on, Peggy was a talented swimmer and an honors student. When the family moved to Little Rock, she attended Mount St Mary’s. At UALR the auburn-haired beauty graduated in Psychology. There she met her soon-to-be-adoring husband, Haskell Dickinson, at a Kappa Sigma party at the old Tijuana out Markham. The love-struck young man chased her until she caught him.

They were married on November 30, 1970, and stayed the first night at the old Rivermont along the river in Memphis. In all the rush, the bridegroom misplaced the luggage keys and had to send back to Little Rock for them. After a week on the Queen Elizabeth II, the honeymooners flew to the Virgin Islands where they barely survived a plane crash on a dangerously short St Thomas runway.

Finally, back in Little Rock, Peggy began raising her children. Tireless, she volunteered at church and school functions, was recording secretary of the Junior League, and helped her husband navigate the political and business world.

With the kids moving up through the grades Peggy and her husband found time for skiing vacations and for international travel to places like the Soviet Union, Africa, Europe and China. Peggy was a great traveler, a passionate tennis player, an experienced hiker and a “blue run” skier.

It was during her late forties that her physical and mental health began to deteriorate. Operations on her back and neck for spine and nervous disorders, and arms from wear and tear, along with the onset of COPD. But with just a little help, Peggy still answered the bell. She could still go places and enjoy life with her children and friends. Her last trip was earlier this year to see the Grand Canyon, and to make the spectacular Hwy 1 drive in California, which may have been her favorite.

Her loving husband remembers all of this. Her family remembers what a selfless and gentle, but also courageous wife, mother, and grandmother Peggy truly was. Always thoughtful, she tried to make her family’s world a better place. We love her so very much. Peggy is our hero. We will miss you!!!

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute, 4301 W Markham, #554, Little Rock, AR 72205; St. Francis House, 1701 South Elm, Little Rock, AR 72204; or AR Children’s Hospital, One Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR; or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Peggy's life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. For family and friends, a Gathering will be held at the home of Anna and Thomas Dickinson in Little Rock from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, July 16th.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com