Peggy Jane Hailey
Peggy Jane Hailey came into this world on July 13, 1966 and left it October 27, 2017 peacefully sitting in front of her computer. She came into a home where she was loved and given a very diverse and cultural experience. She graduated in May of 1984 from Kenedy High School and went on to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, where she was an active member of Delta Zeta, Hand bell Choir, Chorale, served as Chair of the Homecoming SING committee in 1987 and was an original member of the Southwestern English Society. After graduating from Southwestern, she attended Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, where she graduated with a Master’s in English. Peg was a graduate assistant in the English department and a resident assistant while attending. While in New Jersey, Peg loved to go into New York, see plays and experience all of the culture she could absorb in New York. Peggy returned to Austin, Texas, and began her career in books. She worked at book stores, including Book People where she eventually became head book buyer. Peg loved independent book stores and loved all the opportunities that enabled her to attend book conferences where she loved meeting and talking with the authors and being on different panels at conferences. She was a book editor for RevolutionSF and had her own blog. After the death of her parents, she continued to work in Austin and live in Kenedy, eventually moving to Kenedy full time. Working in the Runge Public Library gave Peg the opportunity to again be around books and she tried to instill her love of books and reading into the children and students she helped. This was displayed best in her annual summer throw down reading contest. She worked hard to see that each age group had a fair chance at winning. Peggy loved to shop online and was the best gift giver. She also loved to cook and try out new recipes and the question at holidays was always, “Wonder what kind of pie Peg is bringing?” Peggy was an active member in the community of Runge. She was a part of Chamber of Commerce activities, attended meals held at the Library for different groups, loved visiting with everyone who came into the Library. She participated in the Christmas Program with the Library every year and helped facilitate summer programs at the library. Peggy will be remembered fondly by her friends for her sharp wit, keen insight, and unwavering support. She was always honest, but never cruel. She was the person one could always count on to be there in good times or in bad. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Berkley and Georgia Ann Hailey. She is survived by her brother, Tom and his wife Belinda, beloved nephew, Lamar B. Hailey III, of San Antonio, her cousin and lifelong friend, Julie Borroum of Austin, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Borroum and Hailey families. Donations may be given to the Runge Public Library, 311 Helena Street, Runge, TX 78151. Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 4, from 2-4 at Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy, Texas. Services will be Sunday, Nov. 5, 2:00 at Eckols Funeral Home, with burial at the Kenedy Cemetery and a reception for family and friends at the Family Life Building, next to the First Baptist Church in Runge following services.