Peggy O’Neil Crowder Gossett, a woman of loving patience, dignity, and grace and a constant inspiration to her friends and family, departed this life on April 30, 2016, in her home with family by her side.

Born to Emmie Ragsdale Crowder and John C. Crowder in Danville, Virginia on April 14, 1931, she was the fifth of six children.  On May 3, 1953, she married James Franklin Gossett, who preceded her in death in 1989, and as his work relocated their family to Roanoke VA, Birmingham AL, and finally to Orange TX, she demonstrated to her children that home is where your loved ones are, wherever that place might be.  Always considerate of others, she volunteered in the church nursery of North Orange Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member for 45 years.

Children were her joy and passion, and they gravitated to her loving ways. She was also a volunteer with senior citizens, spreading kindness and love to all those that she encountered. She always maintained a gentle strength and discipline in her morals and was unwavering in her Christian beliefs and the values of kindness, compassion and faith. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a love of books, a sense of play and she always made sure they knew how valued and loved they were.

Left to grieve her passing are son James F. Gossett Jr. of Orange, daughter Sara  Rush (Ken) of Orlando FL, and grandchildren Jessica Rush (Eric Anderson) of New York City, Brandi (Ryan) Flanigan of Lumberton TX, Benjamin Rush of Orlando and New York, Amy Gossett (Craig Harmon) of Orange TX, and step-granddaughter Jessica Lowe Muehlstein and family of Houston. “Mimi” is also survived by four great- grandchildren in whom her legacy will live on.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank her devoted companion of many years Neal Waldrop of Orange. The family also gives a special thank you to River City Hospice whose devoted caregivers allowed her to remain in her home with her son Jim, who demonstrated a rare and beautiful love of a son for his mother in his selfless devotion to her.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 18, 2016 at North Orange Baptist Church with Rev. Lynn Ashcraft officiating. Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or to North Orange Baptist Church. Arrangements through Dorman Funeral Home.