Loretta Anne Childress Peyton, 56, of Swoope, Va., formerly of the Eastern Shore, died peacefully in her sleep May 6, 2006.

 She is survived by her parents, Welford M. and Mary Alice Burt Childress, of Midlothian; her daughter, Lauren Peyton, of Quinby; two sisters, Linda C. Rose, of Richmond, and Mary C. Graham, of the Eastern Shore; and a nephew, Michael Graham of South Carolina.

Loretta was a graduate of Westhampton College. She was recognized in Who's Who for her professional contributions to education. She taught for Augusta and Accomac County Schools. She was a gentle soul who was devoted to special needs children, animals, gardening, and all those she held dear. It is her great capacity to impart love, for which she will be best remembered.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Woody's Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd. The memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at Bon Air Baptist Church.