Mary Jayne Sifford Peeler

Mary Jayne Sifford Peeler of Morganton passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the age of 70.

At the time of her death she was a resident of The Berkeley Assisted Living Memory Care in Morganton.

Jayne was born in Roxboro, NC to Mabel and W.J. (Dub) Sifford, Jr. Later her family moved to Hickory and Jayne was in the first graduating class at Hickory High School.

A talented artist from a young age, Jayne studied art and painting under several local and nationally known artists. In high school the Hickory Museum of Art employed her to guide visitors through the museum's exhibits and collections.

Jayne had a beautiful singing voice. In high school her vocal talents won her a position in a student choir that toured Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia. The thrill of that trip kindled a love for travel and adventure that stayed with her throughout her life.

As a teen she collaborated with her mother at the Hickory Costume Company and became an accomplished seamstress and clothing designer. After high school she also worked in the furniture industry as a decorator and designer for several local and international furniture manufacturers.

A desire to teach took Jayne back to school. While working full-time she graduated with honors from Western Piedmont Community College in 1988. Later, while still working full time, she graduated with honors from Lenoir Rhyne College (now University) in the centennial class of 1991.

After graduation she was employed as a teacher by Western Piedmont and later the Burke County Public Schools. Her first assignment was at a pilot program for at-risk students at the College Street School. Later she moved to Freedom High School where she taught English and Theater Arts. While at Freedom she also coached the Forensics and Debate Team and directed yearly student productions. During her summer breaks she took many of her students on tours of Europe where they walked in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Moliere, Burns, Aeschylus, Ovid and other famous playwrights and poets.

She cared deeply for each of her students and spent countless hours of her own time tutoring them and writing college recommendations on their behalf. To her students she was always JP or Mrs. P or Mama P. Many of them reached out to her during her illness to say how much they loved her and appreciated that her classroom was always their "safe place." Another former student reached out to say: "She was the most incredible person. Jayne was the first person I felt who saw me, the real me and loved me for it and I wouldn't be anywhere near the man I am today without the influence she had on me." Most days before and after school you could find groups of students congregated in her classroom. So strong was her dedication to her students that in 2012 she was named Freedom High School's Teacher of the Year.

Jayne was active in the community throughout her life. She served as a Scout leader. She was also a member, president, and district director for the Morganton Jaycettes. She served on the board of the Historic Morganton Festival and was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church.

Jayne applied her artistic talents to all that she did. Her collection of flamboyant necklaces and colorful tops were a trademark. Ask anyone lucky enough to have had one of her one-of-a-kind birthday cakes or any of the scores of friends and family members who were recruited annually to help make hundreds upon hundreds of her famous homemade Christmas chocolate candies and they will tell you how she brought art and love to all she did. Family and many close friends always looked forward to her yearly handmade Christmas ornaments. Although she never admitted it, she usually started work on the next year's version the day after Christmas.

Jayne was devoted to her family. especially to her three grandchildren. She often said that her greatest treasures called her "Granna." Their memories of their Granna will be highlighted by the fabulous birthday cakes she designed and created and the themed birthday parties she staged. It was said that more planning went into those events than into the moon landings.

Jayne is survived by her husband, Tom, their children Laurie (Lee Traxler), Jason (Wendy), grandchildren Luke George, Nora Peeler, and ZellaJayne Peeler; her sister Ann Anderson (Doug) and several nieces and nephews.

Jayne's family would like to express their appreciation to the many friends, co-workers and former students who reached out to her during her illness. They also thank the caregivers at The Berkeley Memory Care Assisted Living, Adult Day Center at Blue Ridge Community Action, and Memory Care of Asheville as well as the many friends and relatives who helped with her care while she was at home.

The family will greet friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the fellowship hall of Calvary Lutheran Church. A celebration of Jayne’s life will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Paul Carlson officiating.

Although Jayne loved beautiful flowers the family asks that you refrain from sending any. Instead, they have asked that donations in her memory be given to Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of Burke County, PO Box 1156, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.