Peggy Ann Raney Ellard

Peggy Ann Raney Ellard, lovingly known to most as Momma P, was born Nov. 6, 1939, in Dodd City, Texas. She entered her heavenly home on July 2, 2026, in Carrollton, Texas. Peggy was 86. Peggy was born to Doug and Ruby Raney, who moved the family to Ladonia when she was in the third grade. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jaired Ellard. From an early age, sitting still wasn’t her style. She was in basketball, cheerleading, and just about every school activity offered. She graduated from Ladonia High School in 1957 and continued her education at Paris Junior College. There, she also played basketball and cheered, as well as served as secretary to the president. Peggy and Jaired married on July 3, 1959, in Houston, where Jaired worked for Brown and Root. Thus began a 67-year love story built on faith, family, laughter, and plenty of adventures. They welcomed daughter Tanna in 1960 while living in Sherman, where Jaired was attending Austin College. In 1961, the family moved to Grand Prairie, where Peggy worked for Birds Eye and Jaired worked for Chance Vought. Along with raising her family, Peggy immersed herself in serving the community. She held leadership roles in school PTAs, post-PTA, City Council PTA, and the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club. Peggy was the Turnpike and CrossPoint representative for Grand Prairie Meals on Wheels for several decades. She recruited volunteers who delivered thousands of meals over the years. She was the CrossPoint liaison for the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth and worked as the bookkeeper for Turnpike Christian School. Above all else, Peggy loved teaching children about Jesus. She faithfully taught not only her own granddaughters, but generations of children through Sunday school, then as Children’s Minister at Turnpike and CrossPoint churches of Christ. There were many Vacation Bible Schools, harvest parties, Trunk-or-Treats, Breakfasts with Santa, Suppers with Santa, Easter Bunny Breakfasts, along with Camp Point, Journey, Day Camps, Fajita Fests, and Silver Heart Banquets. Peggy had such a gift for reaching people of all ages. She was also a master recruiter. Some have joked that Peggy invented the term “voluntold.” Serving alongside Momma P was as rewarding as it was contagious. Peggy retired as Children’s Minister in 2014, but continued to be active teaching Sundays and Wednesdays, running the Thanksgiving meal drive, and coordinating the annual teacher luncheon. She also was active in the Jinks/Chilton Connect Group. Peggy loved making memories with family and friends. There were ski trips, dirt bike trips, and weekends at Lake Whitney. For more than 20 years, she and Jaired vacationed with their family at Fun Valley, Colo., always enjoying the cool of the mountains. Peggy loved reading, sports, shopping, hosting dinners, and baking holiday treats. Her homemade caramel popcorn was treasured by family and friends. Her favorite food was Mexican from the original El Fenix in Dallas. She also loved to eat at Theo’s in Grand Prairie. Peggy was an avid sports fan and loved attending football, basketball, and baseball games. She and Jaired attended South Grand Prairie High games for more than 50 years. They especially loved Warrior football. A gifted seamstress, Peggy lovingly created curtains, clothes, and special occasion dresses for her daughter, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. More than anything she accomplished, Peggy will be remembered for the way she made people feel. She was kind, joyful, energetic and endlessly encouraging. She loved deeply, laughed often, and approached every task with enthusiasm and purpose. Her faith in Jesus shaped every part of her life. Through that faith, she left a legacy that will continue for generations. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, an infant daughter; sister Frances Smith; brother, Johnny Raney; and son-in-law Phil Filbrun. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jaired Ellard of Grand Prairie; daughter Tanna Filbrun of Grand Prairie; three granddaughters and their husbands, Jara Ann and Nic Martinez of Joshua, Reni and Spencer Brizendine of Sellersburg, Ind., and Kali and Marquell McClinton of Alvarado; six great-grandchildren, Lexi and Sophie Martinez; Sadie Brizendine; and Maddon, Kylie, and Makai McClinton; sister-in-law Gail Ellard of Commerce; and many dear nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to CrossPoint Church of Christ Children’s Ministry. The service will be live streamed at crosspointcofc.org.

Peggy Ann Raney Ellard

November 6, 1939 - July 2, 2026