“A book waiting to be written...”

Peggy Lynn Long, 67, of Beaumont, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013. She was born on January 15, 1946, in Orange, to Willie Mae and Benjamin Pate, and grew up in Groves.

Her whole life was family and friends first, nursing second. Even at a young age, Peggy had a love for both people and animals. She graduated from the Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in Beaumont, started as a surgical nurse, then later became a trainer for the nurses at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, now Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, where she finished her forty-year career.

A loving mother, she put her husband, Charles, children and grandchildren first, always. Their interests quickly became hers. Whether it was travel, music, dance, sewing, art, or just hanging out, Peggy was not only a partner in crime; she was also an enthusiastic participant. As far as her own abilities, not only was Peggy a skilled cook, she was also a creative craft maker. She was always making quilts, pillowcases, and clothes for her “babies.” Her talents knew no bounds.

The stories about Peggy are endless. There is not enough space here to fully say everything that we would like to say about her, but there is one thing that all her friends and family will forever remember: her infectious laugh. If Peggy was here, she would always want people to laugh out loud...because she did.

She is survived by her husband of eleven years, Charles Long; daughters, Lori Cox and her husband, David and Rhonda Bland; son, Doug Bland and his wife, Amanda; grandchildren; Presley Alayna Bland and Gracie Bland; step-children, Charles Long, Jr.; Nadine Simmons and her husband, Tony; and Christopher Long; step-grandson, Joseph Slaydon; brother, Frankie Pate and his wife, Barbara; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Barbara Smith.

A funeral service for Mrs. Long will be 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.