Margaret "Peggy" Closson

Margaret Dietrick “Peggy” Closson, 72, of Ocean Springs passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Gulfport.

Peggy was born December 16, 1953, in Jackson, MS, the only daughter and fourth child of Edward George Dietrick and Margaret Green Dietrick. As a sophomore at Picayune High School, Peggy decided she wanted to become a CPA, practice public accounting and become a firm partner one day.

She married Russell Dale Closson on December 15, 1973, while a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in accounting with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1974.

The Clossons made their home in Ocean Springs, where she maintained deep ties to the community for the remainder of her life. She was a longtime member, volunteer and part of the Carmelites at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. She was the parish’s 2020 recipient of the Diocese of Biloxi Lumen Christi award, which honors an individual selected by their pastor as one in the parish who exemplifies putting faith into practice by setting a shining example for others to follow by reflecting the light of Christ in all they say, do, and are.

Her professional career began when hired by Piltz, Simms, and Co. of Biloxi in 1974 as a staff accountant. In 1977, Peggy achieved certification as a CPA, and the firm evolved into what is now Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Co. In 1982, she was named a junior partner. She was promoted to partner as well as shareholder/director in 1989 and added the title of firm treasurer in 1993. She retired from active practice in 2015.

Beyond her church and professional life, Peggy was also very active in various other civic and social activities. She was a longtime member of the Biloxi Yacht Club and served as treasurer from 1988 to 1993. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art selected her as trustee in 1989, treasurer in 1991, and a member of the advisory board through 1995. She was a trustee of the Lord is My Help and served as treasurer for nearly 35 years beginning in 1990.

Peggy’s favorite activities and hobbies included reading fiction novels, Sudoku puzzles, boating, fishing, and Mardi Gras. She was a lifetime member of the Krewe of Hera and reigned as Queen in 2013.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Edward George Dietrick Jr. and Daniel John Dietrick Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Dale, of Ocean Springs; her brother, Gerald William Dietrick of Metairie, LA; and an extensive extended family of nieces, nephews and their children, as well as scores of dear and close friends, all of whom were touched by her love and kindness, inspired by her faith and service, and heartbroken by their loss and debt outstanding at her passing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Lakewood Memorial Park South, Jackson, MS.

The family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and staff of Select Specialty Hospital in Gulfport for their expertise, support and kindness.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Margaret Dietrick “Peggy” Closson