Dr. Peggy Quarles, of Dalton, Georgia, died Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Hamilton Medical Center. Born July 14, 1947, Dr. Quarles was the daughter of the late H.L. and Mae Hester Quarles. She is survived by her brother Danny Quarles; two nephews, Jason and his wife Amanda of Canton, and Heath of Dalton; two great nieces, Crystal Morris and Zoe Quarles; two great nephews, Zeke and Cooper; aunt, Janniveve Miller of Dalton; and special friend, Dot McCrory.

Dr. Quarles was an educator all of her life. She taught thirty-five years in public schools, twenty-six of which were at Murray County High School and nine years in the graduate school at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN, where she rose to the rank of Associate Professor. She was Murray County Teacher of the Year twice and was also chosen Georgia Secondary English Teacher of the Year. She touched many lives in her forty-four years in the classroom. Enthusiastic in all she did, she was most pleased when students told her they were going to become teachers.

She was a proud member of the illustrious Dalton High Class of 1965. Her college degrees were from Trevecca Nazarene University, West Georgia, University of Georgia, with her doctorate from the University of Sarasota. A strong proponent of lifelong learning, she spent many summers in different institutes here and in Europe. She had articles published in various educational journals and made many presentations to school groups, including one at Oxford University. She was instrumental in establishing the Carpet Capital Running Club and served as its president two years.

Dr. Quarles requested cremation. A memorial service will be held at Rock Bridge Community Church Stage 123, 100 W. Gordon St., Dalton, Georgia, Tuesday March 4, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:30 p.m. until the service hour. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rock Bridge Community Church or to the Humane Society.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706)226-4002.