Peggy Donnell Brown

Peggy Ray Donnell Brown passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at her home in Throckmorton, Texas. She was born March 15, 1937, to Polly (Ray) Donnell and Alfred Donnell. Peggy was raised on the Clearfork of the Brazos River near Eliasville, Texas on her family's ranch, which the Donnell family established in 1876.

Peggy made her mark as a woman in agriculture at a young age. Growing up, she raised and showed Hereford steers. At the time, girls were not allowed to show in the youth stock shows. So young Peggy, sporting her pigtails, showed against grown men in the open division. Peggy met the love of her life, R.A. “Rob” Brown Jr., when she was 14 years old. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1955 and attended Texas Tech University from 1955 - 1958.

Rob and Peggy were married June 14, 1957. In 1958, they returned to the R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton and raised their four children.

Ranch life is all she ever knew, the life she loved and preferred. Born the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of ranchers, she went on to raise children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the ranch. Peggy’s fortitude, intellect, support, and grit shaped the R.A. Brown Ranch into the industry leader it is today. Her job description over the last nearly seven decades was "anything that needs doing”.

Peggy and Rob were true partners on the ranch. Their hard work and vision earned the ranch many honors and recognitions in the ranching industry over the years including, Texas Simmental Family of the Year, Texas Family Land Heritage Award, NCBA Cattle Business of the Century, NCBA Vision award, AQHA Best Remuda and many others.

While managing the ranch office and raising a family, Peggy also spent her time in service to others. She taught Sunday School at the Throckmorton Methodist Church for 28 years and served on the Throckmorton school board. She was an active volunteer for FFA and 4-H, being honored with the 4-H Distinguished Service Award and Honorary American FFA Degree. Peggy served on the Texas Tech Human Sciences Dean's Advisory Board and National Ranching Heritage Board of Directors. Most recently, Peggy was honored with the Texas Tech Outstanding Agriculturalist Award.

Peggy's greatest joy was always her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmom, great-grandmom, sister, and aunt. Peggy was a loyal wife to Rob for 68 years. Together they built a beautiful family and successful business. Peggy’s children are grateful for the high expectations and work ethic she instilled in each of them. Sharing meals around the table as a family was of highest priority to Peggy as a mother. Just as she loved adventures with her brother George as a child, she shared this love with her grandchildren; checking mares and foals, picking wild plums, building forts in the mesquites, making mud pies in the sandpile, and more. Grandmom was always up for an adventure.

Anyone who knew Peggy called her friend. Peggy loved people well and had a unique talent of finding “small world” connections no matter where she went. She had a gift for lovingly intertwining her life with all of those she came in contact with.

Her love for the Lord was most evident in her life. Peggy was a mighty prayer warrior. She was full of wisdom; wisdom rooted in scripture. In 2023, Peggy suffered a life-altering stroke. Her speech and motor skills were severely affected, but even through these trying circumstances her faith and prayer life were steadfast.

Peggy's hard work ethic and love for others made an impact on everyone around her. Anyone who knew Peggy was inspired by her. She loved the Lord, loved her family, and brought joy to all who knew her. Peggy Brown truly embodied the Proverbs 31 woman.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, and husband, R.A. “Rob” Brown Jr. She is survived by her children Betsy Bellah and husband Jody of Throckmorton, Rob A. Brown and wife Talley of Stinnett, Texas, Marianne McCartney and husband Todd of Throckmorton, and Donnell Brown and wife Kelli of Throckmorton. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, brother George Donnell, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. The family expresses gratitude for the love and care provided to Peggy by her caregivers Rachel, Sarah, Monna, and Jackie.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 25, from 3:00-4:30 pm at the First Methodist Church at 220 N. Reynolds in Throckmorton, Texas. She will be laid to rest in the Brown Family Cemetery at a private family burial. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Methodist Church in Throckmorton 2:00 pm Sunday April 26, under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Throckmorton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church PO Box 686 Throckmorton, TX 76483, Ranching Heritage Association 3121 Fourth St. Lubbock, TX 79329, or West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford Abilene, TX 79605.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.