The gates of Heaven were opened for Peggy Dean Hill Been on October 4, 2020 as she went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ.
Born on March 17th, 1925 to Willie Beatrice and Roy Hill, Peggy was a faithful servant and child of God.
Peggy grew up in Morton, Texas and was a competitive tennis and basketball player along with playing the drums in the high school band. After graduating Peggy entered Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX at the age of 16. She also attended and graduated from Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton with a teaching degree in home economics. She entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1947 with a master’s degree in church education. Peggy often sang in choirs and as a soloist. Many people requested her talents for weddings, funerals and special occasions. One night while singing at church, a young Autry Been heard her and declared to his buddy that he would marry her – even though he had not met her yet. She married Autry on April 10th, 1948.
Peggy and Autry had four children – Richard, Nancy, Janelle and Ladelle. She was often a single mom when the children were little because Autry was traveling in his work. Peggy learned to juggle every responsibility – multi-tasking was second nature. When the Beens moved to Hondo, Texas, Peggy helped run the dairy by doing the accounting, payroll, and risk management (or recovery after accidents). She was also a full-time cook, housekeeper, seamstress, teacher, choir leader, Bible teacher, wildlife / pet manager, chaperone, taxi-driver and counselor for everyone.
Because of Peggy’s encouragement, all her children graduated from college. Education has always been important, and she worked to make sure everyone had that opportunity.
When Peggy and Autry lost their son, Richard, Peggy was a faithful example to so many. The Lord gives comfort and Peggy’s strength helped others recover. Her role as a Prayer Warrior is a legacy for other generations.
After retiring from teaching science in the Medina Valley ISD and later at Harper ISD, Peggy and Autry traveled the world on many exciting trips and enjoyed their family outings. Peggy was an aggressive 42 domino player and an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs. She considered David Robinson a family member.
Peggy joins her parents, son Richard and many extended family members in an eternal heavenly reunion. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Autry, and their 3 daughters – Nancy (and John) Townes, Janelle (and Bob) Shepard and Ladelle Smith. She is also survived by her brother Waydelle (Ann) Hill. She is also survived by her precious grandchildren John W. Townes IV, Megan (and Marc) Marrocco, Kelly (and Matt) Roy, Marshall (and Leah) Shepard, and Chelcey Smith (and fiancé Ben Cazares). Peggy will also be greatly missed by her 7 great grandchildren: Tristian, Kyla, Gianna, Jackson, Grant, Malosi and Rance.
Peggy Been was loved and will be missed by so many. The family would like to thank the sweet caring staff at Waterview Assisted Living facility (Granbury, TX), Interim Hospice and especially Cheryl Longenbach.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Graveside service: 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 10, 2020, Castroville Community Cemetery.
