Margaret Balk Zeigler

BLACKVILLE - Margaret Balk Zeigler, was known by her family and closest friends as “Peggy.” She died peacefully, July 25, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. in her sleep after a short illness.

She was born Margaret Ann Balk in Augusta, Georgia, on September 7, 1951, to William A. Balk and Elizabeth F. Balk and grew up in Blackville, S.C., on the Clemson Edisto Experiment Station with her beloved parents and her four siblings. Some of her high school years were spent at Daniel High School near Clemson, S.C. She spent most of her adult life in Barnwell County on the family’s peaceful, secluded farm and her home.

In her later years she studied and graduated from the University of South Carolina, where she earned and received several degrees: a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. Peggy worked part time at the School of Library and Information Science and at Barnwell County Public Schools as a dedicated teacher, and retired as a librarian.

One of Margaret’s pleasures during her “down time,” was getting into her beloved, recently purchased car and driving with no destination in mind. She loved the outdoors and communing with nature, where she hiked mountains and the woods, enjoyed bird watching, deer, and other creatures. Peggy loved her family and cherished her friends, but her greatest happiness was with her son Bryan.

Margaret is preceded in death by her father, William A. Balk; mother, Elizabeth F. Balk; and brothers, Theodore Florrenz “Ted” and Frank Erwin “Boomer” Balk. She leaves behind her son, William Bryan Zeigler; daughter-in-law, Erica Ann Scott; brother, William A. “Will” Balk Jr.; sister, Elizabeth “Libby” G. Roberson; and brother-in-law, Tom Roberson. She also leaves behind her nephews, William Nolan Gainey and Thomas Calvin Gainey, and their wives, Mandy Gainey and Madeline Gainey.

Peggy was known for her kindness and warm smile. She is deeply loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed.

An online obituary of Margaret may be found on the Folk Funeral Home website at folkfuneralhome.com/listings. Folk Funeral Home will assist with a graveside service to be held at Barnwell Memorial Gardens on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10 a.m., where family and friends are invited to pay their respects. Those attending are invited to bring photographs of Peggy as we gather to celebrate her life and cherish the many memories shared with her.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. Crematory, Williston, S.C. is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.