Peggy H. Woolard

Peggy Harrell Woolard passed away while sleeping in her own bed in Greenville, Delaware, at the age of 90 on March 9, 2026.

Peggy was born in Washington, North Carolina. The youngest daughter of farmers and restauranteurs, she grew up in a busy household, loving animals, fashion, and dance. She was the chief cheerleader at Washington High School, where she cheered for teams that included her future husband, Ed Woolard. Peggy and Ed were married in June of 1956.

Soon after, the couple added two daughters to their family, first Annette, and then Lynda. Peggy supported her husband’s long career at Dupont, which saw the family shuffling between textile fiber plants in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and eventually landed them in the executive offices of Wilmington, Delaware. Peggy was skilled at creating a warm and welcoming home for her children while emphasizing their education and travel experiences. She was the consummate hostess for entertaining her husband’s business associates — whether in their back yard or overseas — making friends and connections easily, even through seasons of moving the family every couple of years.

Once her daughters were in college, Peggy pivoted her focus to her own interests and convinced Ed to split their time between Delaware and Florida. Peggy’s first big involvement was with the Delaware Art Museum, where she was invited to join the board, and stayed engaged for 15 years. Here, she was able to demonstrate her leadership and creative skills. She also learned much about museums, which would prove significant in due time.

Inarguably, Peggy’s greatest passion was for tennis. As a player, she had quite the competitive spirit, leading her to victories in club tournaments in singles, doubles, and teams. Her accomplishments scored her a spot in the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame and an invitation to join the board at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in a connection that would span 30 years. She was instrumental in turning the rundown “Hall of Shame” into a world-class tennis museum. As museum chairman, she insisted the Hall of Fame be certified, making it the first sports museum to be so recognized. Her involvement led her and Ed to become friends with many hall of famers like Pam Schriver, Mary Joe Fernández, Ilana Kloss, and Billie Jean King, with the latter two becoming lifelong close friends. Peggy and Ed traveled the world, attending Grand Slam and other tennis tournaments, including many years sitting in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon, Peggy’s favorite championship.

Peggy is survived by her daughter Lynda Woolard, daughter Annette Woolard-Provine, son-in-law Bill Provine, and her 2 grandchildren, Caroline Provine and Will Provine.

A public service for Peggy will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, in Greenville, Delaware on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Family will lay Peggy to rest in a private service in the All Saints Memorial Garden at the church, next to her beloved husband, Ed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Peggy’s name to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, or the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware.