Family and Friends Celebrate Peggy Sturdivant’s 72nd Birthday in Style
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Peggy Sturdivant with mother, Ms. Alma Faye (Gross) Mims and friends at her 72nd birthday celebration on July 26, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
What do you give someone who has done it all—from producing her own television shows to owning a legendary blues club? You give her love, laughter, and a room full of people who cherish her. That’s exactly what Peggy Sturdivant received on her 72nd birthday, and it was a celebration to remember.
A true daughter of Los Angeles, Peggy Sturdivant is the embodiment of hospitality and heart. Her charisma lights up every room she enters, and her warm smile makes you feel instantly at home. Whether she’s in California or her second home in Mississippi, Peggy is known for opening doors and creating space for others to shine.
Peggy cutting a piece of cake for mama Alma Faye. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Talk about opening doors—Peggy Sturdivant has been doing it in more ways than one. As a former Host Ambassador and Superhost at Unk’s Place, her Airbnb short-term rental became a welcoming haven for travelers from near and far. But her hospitality didn’t stop there. For eight years, she served on the Board of Directors for the Spiritual Truth Foundation, Inc., offering her leadership and guidance to support spiritual growth in the community. And as a Direct Support Professional at Esther’s Adult Residential Home, Peggy opened her heart and her hands to care for individuals with special needs—proving once again that serving others isn’t just what she does; it’s who she is.
The birthday bash, held in the heart of historic Leimert Park, was filled with food, family, friends—and plenty of soul. Plates of spaghetti and fried chicken were passed around like love offerings, and guests gathered to honor a woman whose generosity knows no bounds. Her 92-year-old mother, Ms. Alma Faye Gross Mims, beamed with pride as loved ones took turns sharing stories and singing “Happy Birthday.”
Family and Friends at Peggy Sturdivant’s 72nd birthday party.
While enjoying her red velvet cake, Peggy Sturdivant receives a heartfelt birthday wish from her friend Darnell of Clarksdale, Mississippi. (Photo by Gloria Zuurveen)
As a VCR played rare footage from her trailblazing days in television and entertainment, it became clear just how many lives Peggy has touched. A graduate of Los Angeles High School, Class of 1971, Peggy has lived on the same street for over 50 years. From Alta Loma Elementary to Mount Vernon Junior High, her roots in South LA run deep.
Peggy with her VCR showing her videos from Harlequin Productions in Englewood, New Jersey. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
But her impact goes far beyond Los Angeles.
In 2000, Peggy became the proud owner of The Junction Rhythm and Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi—a town rich in history and the birthplace of blues legends. It’s the same Delta town depicted in Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners. Whether she’s hosting events in the South, organizing productions or providing care back in the L.A. area, Peggy’s entrepreneurial energy is nonstop.
Peggy Sturdivant, consummate entrepreneur and founder of The Junction Rhythm & Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, proudly wears one of the club’s signature T-shirts. (Photo by Gloria Zuurveen)
Peggy Sturdivant, consummate entrepreneur and founder of The Junction Rhythm & Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, proudly wears one of the club’s signature T-shirts. (Photo by Gloria Zuurveen)
In Englewood, New Jersey, she once served as President, Founder, and Special Events Coordinator for Harlequin Productions, where she gave countless people their moment in the spotlight on her community TV show.
She’s been a Real Estate Agent, a businesswoman, a show producer, and most importantly—a caregiver. From tending to her beloved mother to helping neighbors in need, Peggy lives a life of purpose and compassion. Her door is always open, and her spirit is always giving.
At 72, Peggy is still moving full speed ahead, defying expectations and inspiring everyone around her.
To know Peggy Sturdivant is to love her—and on this special day, it was clear just how deeply she is loved. Happy 72nd Birthday, Peggy! The world is better because of you.
Happy belated birthday. Been gone 4 a minute. Sorry I miss out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AN MANY MORE. LUV U FRITO
Friito, thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond to this article. I truly enjoyed everyone and wish you had been with us. However, if the Lord says the same, there’s always next year. Thank you, my friend.
Happy belated Birthday, MS Peggy! You are a true jewel! We are so grateful to be business associates with you! You were a true pioneer with our tiny homes at your business, The Junction Rythm and Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS! You give countless others ideas in how to be an entrepreneur! Not only are we happy to know you in business, we are even more thankful to call you our friend! Your heart shines like a diamond! We hope you had a day as special as you! Jennifer and Sean💖💕💕
Jennifer, thank you 😊 for not only reading and reacting. Thank you for your continuous boost to my spirit. You and Sean have been a blessing to me from our first meeting. Your kind words are as powerful as the writer Gloria, inked in my story. See you in October.
I have a wonderful time at her birthday party.
My hat is off to you Peggy!
Here’s a MAJOR SALUTE🫡 to you!
Annie, much love for your friendships. Thank you for making me feel special and for sure thanks for joining us and slamming those bones like you do.
Beautiful article. I love that Ms. Peggy loved the work i did on her T Shirts. They turned out amazing. This article is everything! Great read!!!
Patricia, I love love my T-shirts. And I’m so happy you saw the talent in the editor of this paper. After reading this article, Ms. Gloria made me want to pat my own back. Yes, the article is everything and s good read by the way she wrote it. I’m ready for my new shirts. See you Oct.
What a great article! Happy birthday, Peggy!
My real estate friend Peggy, who knew she was so multi talented and loved. If it wasn’t for me being in the escrow business I never would have known her, but God has a way of putting kindred spirit relationships together. 🙏 I’m so grateful to be called her friend and be invited to such a warm heartfelt celebration of her gifted life and to even acknowledge and recognize her very existence is because of beautiful Queen Mother Ms Alma who also graced us with her presence. Stay blessed my friend!
Patricia, you are a good friend with my heart in your hand after reading your remarks. Your words are so special and with meaning to me. You have shown your pen ability and maybe a writing hook up is in the making. You and Gloria have brought tears to my eyes with your words. I am so grateful. Thank you for joining me on my so special birthday. Talk soon..
Dr Graham, thank you for your well wishes and kind words, as I can’t stop praising the writer. Your business is in Inglewood. I pray for my folks to recognize and to support this woman who is mighty with a pen and paper right there in City Hall. Again, thank you, Dr., and see you soon.
Ms Peggy it is a real joy to know you and I am impressed with your energy and enthusiasm when you are here in Mississippi.
You really know how to put on a gala for all to enjoy.
Great article on you turning 32 . Happy Birthday!
Obert, what a blessing you are. Thank you for your encouraging words and praise. You and your family make me feel like I belong every time I’m there. This article not only made me feel good it made me look good. Thanks for taking time to comment. You are still my God-sent and I’m glad you enjoyed my story.
I’m not gonna pretend to not be biased, cause we’re family, but my cousin is a truly phenomenal presence in the world. Always there with love and kindness and good game to whomever wants to hear, and with a smile that could light up a dark valley! Happy Birthday to you big cuzzo! ✌🏾💙
My family Mayor Cooley, deep love and much appreciation for your heart felt words that hit me with meaning. Thank you cuz for not only the kind words, but words that truly make me feel loved ❤️. With my ❤️ back at ya.
Happy happy birthday Peggy, You looking good. Wish are guy was here to celebrate with you,many more to come 🙏🎂🎉🎊🎁
Trudy, Trudy, Trudy, thank you for reading and responding. God blessed me with a blessed 72nd birthday, and you too were with me in my heart. If God says the same, there will be 73rd, and I will be looking to see you in person then.
Happy Birthday Peggy, wish I had been there. What a lovely article talking about a wonderful Woman. I met Peggy through another Sister/Friend of mine, Hattie. Peggy opened her arms out to me and I will never forget. I told her she does more for others than others do for her. She’s so giving and so loving. Thank you Peggy for what you did for me. Much much Love for you and Family.
Ruby, oh my, you brought back many good memories. Thank you for all you said, and I love you, Henry, Jacqueline, and of course Hattie too. Ms. Zuurveen wrote her story, and I am so grateful that she reintroduced me to family and my friends who really didn’t know much about me. But more importantl, she woke me up. I’m ready to open the gate and push forward again. Age is just a number and mine is not up yet.
Outstanding write-up of an extraordinary woman, Peggy S. Thank you for sharing. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY beautiful lady. You are a gift 💝❣️
April, much love for your welcomed words of encouragement and inspiration. I am delighted you found the writing as well as I did and that you shared your thoughts. I am very proud of the writer and her abilities.
Love it!!!
Rachel, I have heard of short and sweet, and now I see the effect. Thank you for expressing it where it is understood. Even though you are my family and we talked a lot about it, I still get your true meaning 💯
Happy Birthday Peggy! Fantastic article! What an amazing life she has had. A true gem of Leimert park!
AE, thank you for the birthday wish. I’m a little late responding to Ev1, but I do believe better later than never. Your appreciation of the article is truly meaningful to me. I agree with you. She wrote it so well and made it sound so interesting. I almost couldn’t believe it was about me, Thanks again.