Peggy Webb’s restaurant was a state institution

Peggy Webb’s restaurant was a state institution

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Peggy Webb was a Philadelphia legend, and Peggy’s a Mississippi institution.

For decades, she and her husband operated Peggy’s restaurant in Philadelphia.

Peggy Webb died Oct. 17. She was 91.

In 2013, Peggy’s made Southern Living’s Best Restaurants in the South list:

“…You entered the home (hallways covered in family photos), fixed your plate of comfort food (fried chicken, pork chops, creamed corn, butter beans) off the make-shift serving counter at the kitchen entryway, sat at one of the folding tables scattered throughout the house (at whatever seat was available), and left your money in the basket by the door (making your own change)…”

Webb was presented with a resolution from the city of Philadelphia in 2016 when the restaurant closed, thanking her for all she had done for the community. 

“Words can’t say what Philadelphia and Neshoba has meant to me and my family over the years,”Webb said at the time. “In the early years, all I had going for me was I knew how to cook. Through the grace of God and you people, I have made it. I love all of you.”

Peggy started serving a few people who worked uptown out of her home.  The business grew and eventually became the primary income for Don and Peggy Webb. 

Legendary Mississippi chef and restauranteur Robert St. John observed:

“If you haven’t been to Peggy’s, just imagine what it would have been like if your grandmother had decided to open a restaurant in her home, using her china and cooking the food you grew up eating from her kitchen on Sundays after church. That’s Peggy’s.”

In April 2002, Don and Peggy sold the business to their son Stan and wife Debbie Webb. They closed the restaurant in 2016.

Services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Justin Craft officiating. 

Interment was in the Morrow Cemetery.

Webb passed away peacefully at her home in Philadelphia on Oct. 17, 2024. She was born on June 25, 1933. As a child, Peggy lived in various places as her father served as a Church of God pastor, but she eventually made Philadelphia her home after marrying Don Webb from the Dixon community. Together, they raised three sons—Randy, Dean, and Stan—in a small white house just a few blocks south of the Neshoba County Courthouse.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Peggy, along with Don, shared their home with the community by opening the restaurant they called Peggy’s. 

For nearly 40 years, Peggy served the people of Philadelphia and surrounding areas with delicious home-cooked meals. She gained a reputation for her fried chicken, Southern vegetables, and the famous wicker basket where customers made their own change. Peggy's became not just a local favorite but a well-loved spot for out-of-town visitors, creating memories for all who dined there.

Beyond her work at the restaurant, Peggy’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, often playing ball in the yard and passing down her love for sports. Every day, she looked forward to cooking for her grandchildren and some of her great-grandchildren when they got off the school bus. Nothing gave her more pride than talking about her great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Peggy Webb leaves behind a legacy of love, community, and home, etched into the hearts of all who knew her.

Peggy is survived by her children Randal Webb (Susan) of Philadelphia, and Dean Webb of Philadelphia; daughter-in-law Debbie Webb of Philadelphia; brother, Donnie LeVaughn Martin (Ginny) of Tualatin, Oregon; grandchildren, Melanie White (Allen), Justin Webb (Mandy), Jason Webb (Amanda), Chris Webb (Emily), Kade Webb (Meghan); 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Don Webb; son, Stan Webb; sisters, Mary Faye Rice, Lela Mae Brazil, Mable Inez Galusha, Bettie Omega Waldron; brothers; Harry Floyd, Charles Robert Martin.

Pallbearers were Justin Webb, Chris Webb, Kade Webb, Connor Webb, Cameron Webb, Rylan Coggins, Jason Webb and Chad Martin.

Honorary pallbearers were Rex Webb and Brady Martin.






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