Noted philanthropist Margaret ‘Peggy’ Rollins dies

Margaret “Peggy” Rollins is being remembered as Lewes’ most generous supporter, an advocate for its future who never forgot her past.

Rollins, 92, died Dec. 9 at her home in Atlanta.

She and her late husband, R. Randall Rollins, have had a lasting impact on Lewes, through the generosity of their Ma-Ran Foundation. The foundation donated $10 million to Beebe in 2017, its largest philanthropic gift to date.

Margaret’s name can be found on many buildings around Lewes: the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare, the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center and the Margaret H. Rollins Children Development Center at the Children’s Beach House. Beebe Healthcare also named its entire campus after Rollins. 

“Peggy Rollins’ love and dedication to her hometown is a legacy that will not be forgotten,” said Khalil Saliba, chair of the Beebe Medical Foundation board of directors. “Lewes has evolved over the years, in no small part, to the support and and generosity of Mrs. Rollins and her entire family.” 

Mike Rawl, Greater Lewes Foundation executive director, interviewed Rollins for his book, “The First Settler of Lewes: A history of the Fourth Street Preserve.” GFL was successful in raising $8 million to buy the 30-acre preserve from the Rollins family in order save it as open space.

“I’m not sure anyone ever cared about Lewes as much as Peggy Rollins did,” Rawl said. “She was a wonderful supporter of many different causes, maybe the most generous supporter Lewes has ever had or maybe will ever have.”

Rawl said Rollins played an important behind-the-scenes role in her husband’s company, which started in Lewes and grew to be a top-100 company in the U.S.

She was born in Lewes in 1933. 

In July 2024, Rollins joined her family for the unveiling of the R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education in Lewes. The center is located in the Shaw Building, the same building where Peggy Rollins worked in the billing department.

Rollins death has touched Beebe in many ways.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear about Peggy’s passing,” said Dr. David Tam, Beebe president & CEO. “She had a kind and generous soul that was contagious to those around her. Without a doubt, the Rollins’ generosity is the most impactful philanthropy in Beebe’s history since the Shaw family. It has been an honor to have an all-too-brief relationship with Peggy and Randall. She will be sorely missed.”

Karen Pickard, director of Beebe’s Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing and Clinical Professional Development, said she met Rollins for the first time in 2014. Pickard said she celebrated Rollins’ 90th birthday with her and spent time on the porch at the family’s beach house, which left lasting memories.

“If you are lucky enough to have mentors in your life who allow you the opportunity to learn from them, it takes little effort to nurture those relationships, and the result can be life-changing. My relationship with Peggy and Randall – effortless. Their impact on Beebe – immeasurable. I am committed to continue to lead nursing education at Beebe in a manner that makes them and their family proud,” Pickard said.

“Peggy had a deep love for Lewes and a passion for supporting initiatives that strengthen our community,” said Kay Young executive director of the Beebe Medical Foundation. “Her generosity to Beebe has been truly transformational – advancing health and wellness for generations to come. I am grateful to have known Peggy. She was a true philanthropist, whose vision and compassion will never be forgotten.” 

Rich Garrett, Children’s Beach House executive director, said his organization is most grateful for Rollins’ dedication to the child development center that bears her name. He said their $4 million endowment pays for two full-time teachers.

“One of the most beautiful things about Peggy Rollins and her husband was their focus on future generations of children and the future of Lewes,” Garrett said.

Former Mayor Jim Ford led the fundraising campaign for the Fourth Street Preserve. He summed up Rollins’ impact to the community.

“She was a fantastic lady, whose heart was in Lewes,” he said. “She contributed to community in many different ways, a philanthropic contributor to community where she grew up. She always remembered her roots.”