Etta L. Pegram

ETTA PEGRAM, daughter of the late Cads Faulcon and Lucille Brown,was born on September 14, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland. She peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Etta grew up in a loving household with her mother, stepfather, Joseph Ford, and younger sister, Evelyn. This environment fostered the development of characteristics that Etta would be known for; loyalty,hard work and always giving her best effort. If you wanted something done right, you would ask Etta. Etta’s adventurous spirit was not deterred while being a member of one of the few Black families in Canton, during segregation. She would bike through the neighborhood and beyond.One of her favorite tales from her youth involved her out-riding pursuers while being chased out of Patterson Park. Etta attended Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Prior to continuing her education at the Provident Hospital School of Nursing, she was the caregiver for her mother until her mother’s death. Etta’s employment history as a registered nurse included Crownsville State Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Baltimore, where she served as the first Black nursing supervisor. Etta retired from the VNA in the early 1980’s, but her legacy of care-giving continued for in-laws, family and friends. Etta accepted Christ at an early age, holding continuous membership at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church for 81 years. She was the last remaining member from the original church location in Canton. She served with the Nurses Unit. Etta married the love of her life, Howard (Piggy) in 1955. Their wedding was the first held in Mt. Ararat’s current location. They honeymooned in Atlantic City where they returned each year to celebrate Etta’s birthday. The couple had one child, Tamara. When her husband’s health failed,Etta provided meticulous care, fulfilling his wish to die peacefully at home with her by his side. Etta had a variety of interests. She enjoyed Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. Her favorite creations included tropical flowers such as birds of paradise and anthurium. She was a member of the Provident-HeleneFuld Nurses Alumni Association. Etta was also a life member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., providing over 35 years of “Service for Humanity.” Etta was active in the local chapter (Gamma) having served as secretary, and chairperson of the hospitality, blood pressure, and newsletter committees. Etta developed a new interest later in life. Although she knew little about football, she became a Ravens fan with the arrival of Lamar Jackson. She called him her grandson. Etta dressed in purple to watch Ravens games on TV, while her daughter provided play-by-play explanations. Etta leaves not to mourn, but to cherish sweet memories: her devoted daughter,Tamara; godson, Titus Spratley; other relatives and special friends including Trudy Venable,Joslyn Alexander Avon Thornton, and Carolyn Gray

Tributes

Etta L. Pegram

September 14, 1931 - July 23, 2025