Peggy Sue Criswell

Peggy Sue Criswell, 87, of Amarillo, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Westcliff Bible Church, 5300 Amarillo Blvd. West, with Pastor Steve Waterhouse officiating.

Peggy was born on November 16, 1937 in Lubbock, Texas to A.G. and Ruth Somers. She graduated from Lubbock High School, where she met the love of her life, Don Criswell. They married on August 18, 1956 in Lubbock, and raised five children, Vicki, Denise, Dennis, Bryan and Larry. Peggy and Don moved to the Amarillo area in 1983, and were longtime active members of Westcliff Bible Church. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage until Don’s passing in 2018.

Peggy had a natural flair for decorating, and sold Home Interiors for 15 years. She then worked for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for over 17 years, in Lubbock and Amarillo, until her retirement in 2003.

Peggy and Don were personal friends with Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison, and Peggy was the subject of the famous song, “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The Criswell’s were a fun-loving and optimistic couple, who were young at heart. They enjoyed hosting large family gatherings at their home. Peggy was fiercely devoted to her family and loved spending time with them. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who had the opportunity to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Luther “Don” Criswell; a brother, Bill Somers; and three sisters, Dauphine Jackson, Virginia Kelley and Martha Kelley.

Survivors include her children, Vicki Fairley (Chris) of San Antonio, TX, Denise Holcombe (Mark) of Ft. Collins, CO, Dennis Criswell (Tonya) of Amarillo, Bryan Criswell (Nancy) of Borger, and Larry Don Criswell (Janet) of Prescott Valley, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to The Gideon’s International, at www.gideons.org.