Peggy Ann Shorter Woodson

Peggy Shorter Woodson, 76, of Charlottesville, formerly of Natural Bridge, died Thursday, May 16, at her home. She was born in Botetourt County on Oct. 11, 1936, the daughter of the late Dorsey and Mary Shorter. Peggy was preceded in death by her brothers William and John Shorter; sister Marian Shorter Goode; and beloved grandson Nathan Hartless. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Don Grey Woodson, her two children, Darryl Woodson and his wife Mary of Fairfield, and Doanne Dodd and her husband Douglas of Charlottesville; grandsons Ben Hartless and his wife Nicole, and Dane Dodd; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. Peggy began playing the piano for her church, Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church near Buchanan, at the age of 13. She graduated valedictorian from Buchanan High School and attended Madison College in Harrisonburg. After only one week in college, she fell ill to polio and was hospitalized before her 18th birthday. She survived eight long months in the hospital with her devoted boyfriend, Don Woodson, by her side. A few months after returning home, she would marry the love of her life on July 2, 1955. Peggy and Don raised two children, Darryl and Doanne, at their home on Sunnywood Farms in Natural Bridge. Peggy played the piano for her church for 58 years, as well as performing for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and reunions. She was very artistic and loved painting, baking birthday and wedding cakes, and drawing her Christmas cards every year. In 1984, Peggy won the Mother of the Year Award for the state of Virginia and spoke at the national awards banquet in New Orleans. Later in life, Peggy filled her days with reading her favorite Amish fiction novels, eating out with Don, driving her power wheelchair on local walking trails, and cheering on her children's favorite NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. For the past two years, her greatest passion was attending every UVa home men's basketball game. Peggy published a book about her battle with polio last year entitled "Broken Body, Unbroken Spirit: Polio, Faith and Love" and was interviewed about her book on NPR. Peggy dearly loved and adored her best friend, Don, and was happily married for 57 years. She will be warmly remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her inspiring creativity, her beautiful piano playing, her independent will when facing the life-long effects of polio, her contagious smile, and her enormous, loving heart. The family would like to express its appreciation for the wonderful care Peggy received from her in-home caregivers Chelsea and Erika. A special thank you to Candace Sledd, who not only provided loving nursing care, but also became like a granddaughter to Peggy and Don. The family would also like to extend sincere thanks to all of the family and friends for their love, prayers, and support, especially during this past year. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Doris Hedrick on Sunday, May 19, at 4 p.m. at the Botetourt Funeral Home near Buchanan. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 2 to 4 p.m. Burial will be private in Charlottesville.