On December 6, 1938, Peggy Ann Smith, a tiny baby girl, was born to Clarence E. Smith and Marie (Hutto) Smith in Humble, Texas on Willow Street. A week after her birth, her mother, Marie (Hutto) Smith, died and was buried in Rosewood Cemetery in Humble. Left to mourn Marie Smith’s death was husband, Clarence E. Smith and daughters, Peggy and Alma Gwendolyn “Gwen” Smith.

At a young age her father, Peggy and sister, Gwen moved to Beaumont and lived with Peggy’s aunt for a short period of time. The aunt then asked Peggy’s daddy to place the children in an orphanage home. They were placed in an orphanage in Beaumont, however, Peggy’s daddy, Clarence, would not allow the children to become separated. He knew should the children become separated, that the baby would be adopted immediately, and the sister would remain in foster care. He then picked up the children and moved to Hillister, Texas and found a wonderful man and woman to care for his children while he worked. The couple loved this because they had no children of their own. After living there, a short time, Clarence met a wonderful lady, Julie Donna Sheffield and asked her to marry him and take care and be a good mother to his children. Julia Donna did just that and was the most wonderful stepmother one could ever ask for.

A short time later, Clarence and Donna purchased land in Spurger, Texas, built a home, and lived there until the children became older. He then moved his family to Kirbyville, Texas. In Kirbyville, Gwen graduated from Kirbyville High School. Clarence then built a home in Jasper, Texas on land he had bought before he was enlisted in WWI. While living in Jasper, Peggy and younger sister, LaNell went to school in Jasper. Peggy graduated from Jasper High School in 1957.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Donna Smith; husband, Charlie Harrison; sister, Gwen Chester; and half-sister, LaNell Smith.

She is survived by her sons, Robby Autrey (Dena) of Bedias, Texas, Ronnie Autrey (Claire) of Lake Charles, Louisana, and Bryan Autrey (Rosja) of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Joshua Autrey, Caleb Autrey and Jilena Autrey; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service for Peggy Harrison will be held 11 a.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at Bedias Baptist Church, Bedias, Texas. Bro. Nathan Hoke will officiate the service. A time of visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. A graveside service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery, Humble, Texas.

Pallbearers areCaleb Autrey, Joshua Autrey, Brady Evans, Roy McIntyre, David Callahan, Billy Hutto.

The Harrison family would greatly appreciate flowers or donations to be made to the Bedias Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.