Peggy Lynn Belcher of Austin passed from this life to the next on April 2, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on November 14, 1954 to Onis Gordon Belcher and Mary Louellen Prewitt Belcher. As a child, she spent countless happy days loving school and riding Kate the mule on her grandparent’s farm. Sundays spent eating fried chicken or pot roast with the Tevis family were among her favorites. She attended Arlington Christian Church with her family and was known for being up to mischief on occasion in her Bible school group.

Peggy moved with her family to Austin in 1968. With the help of friends, she soon discovered the exciting tastes of Texas, especially hot sauce and jalapenos. She was hooked for life. Peggy graduated from McCallum High School and went on to receive her B.A. with honors and her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas.

Peggy was employed by the State of Texas Federal Grants Office and served as their Federal Funds Director, a unique position that allowed her to use her exceptional writing, organizational and communication skills.

On and off the job, Peggy cultivated a large number of meaningful friendships, often going to great effort to remain in touch with everyone. She never forgot a birthday and she amassed a huge “card file” with every detail about her friends’ children, pets and latest news. For 20 years, she hosted an annual Block Party bash for her Granada Hills neighbors. She adored laughing with her B-Girl high school friends group, worshiping with her upRising community and telling stories with her Jake’s of Yore “everybody’s a winner” softball gang. She danced weekly as a member of Austin’s Lone Star Lambdas Square Dance Club and attended annual conventions where she especially enjoyed dancing to some of the best Callers in the business and making new friends all over the U.S. and Canada.

Peggy took delight in her cats Bisky and Shy Shy along with the deer, roadrunners, foxes, birds and chickens that made their way through her backyard. She was a generous supporter of all types of animal welfare organizations.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, her nephew Michael and her cousins Donna, Larry and Vickie.

Peggy is survived by her life partner, Bronnie Martin and family members Craig and Karen Martin of Stow, MA. and Glenn Martin of Kerrville, sister Carla Belcher Lott and husband Wayne of Austin, brother Michael Belcher of Louisville, KY, nieces Lindsey Schoenfeld (Drew), Lauren Lopez (Omar), nephew Justin Lott (Sara), great-nieces Mabel and Hattie, great-nephews Webb, Cole, Duke, Felix and Marcelo, and cousins Greg, Missy, Patty, Robb and Cheryl. She will be missed by all who appreciated her great sense of humor and her gentle kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on May 7, 2026 at upRising – a church without walls. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peggy’s memory to upRising – a church without walls or Austin Siamese Rescue.