NATCHEZ — Peggy J. Smith, a former Vicksburg resident, died Tuesday, May 22, 2012, in Baton Rouge. She was 62.

Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 6, 1949, in Kosciusko, the daughter of Kenneth William Hearon and Frances Louise Lee Hearon. Peggy, a highly respected businesswoman, was retired after a 30-year career in mortgage lending. Her career included serving as vice president and member of the board of directors for Natchez First Federal Savings and Loan, a regional sales representative for J.P. Morgan Chase and operating her own business, First Mortgage Corporation of MS. Peggy was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, wife and friend to many and will be missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Rodger W. Smith Jr. of Natchez; two daughters, Lindsey Brandon McBride and Ashley Leigh Lambert; one granddaughter, Joanna Elizabeth McBride; three grandsons, Laurence Lucius Lambert, William Foster Lambert, John Rodgers Lambert, all of Baton Rouge; one sister, Patty Mote of Rush City, Minn.; and three brothers.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Doug Broome officiating. Burial will follow at Natchez Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. Visitation will be tonight from 5:30 until 7:30 at the funeral home and Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Pallbearers will be Danny Smith, Bob Gavin, Rayford Smith, Roy Hathcock, Luke Spillers and Jonathan Foy.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Natchez.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.