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Peg T. Braford, 98, of Natural Bridge, died Aug. 6, 2023, after a brief illness.
Peg was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and, as an adult, moved with her parents to Beaumont, Texas. While on an ocean liner vacation crossing the Atlantic, she met Lloyd, the love of her life. They married after only a few official dates, but after many love letters were airmailed back and forth.
They established Antiques by Braford in Natural Bridge Station where Peg developed a great love of antiques (despite preferring Danish Modern before meeting Lloyd).
She and Lloyd traveled the world together: China three times, to Europe several times, to Southeast Asia and to India. She was even willing to travel outside her comfort zone on a multiple-day backcountry rafting trip with Lloyd and their son Steve.
Lloyd and Peg were members of High Bridge Presbyterian Church where Peg served as both an elder and a deacon. Peg was also the longtime chair of the High Bridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery Committee.
Together with Lloyd, and then on her own, Peg hosted an annual Christmas Eve dinner for up to 40 people, and gatherings of her sisters were legendary for uncontrolled laughter. Extended family members always felt welcome in her home and included in her caring.
Peg was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter AI and enjoyed hosting meetings at her home.
Even though Peg’s mathematical and financial acumen remained remarkable, in her mid-90s she needed a bit more physical care. It would be fair to say she did not go gently. At any moment, she could always recount how many years, months and days, she had thus far spent at “OLOV” (Our Lady of the Valley Assisted Living Facility). While Peg wanted to live at home in Natural Bridge, Brad, Katrina and Taylor will nonetheless always treasure being physically close to her during her last years.
Peg often said that she had lived a wonderful life and that she had been a “very lucky girl.” Although she and her sisters agreed they did not care to live to be 100, her loved ones would have preferred that was one wish not granted.
She is survived by her two sons, Steven T. Braford and his wife Lynn Sadler of Sacramento, Calif.; L. Brad Braford and his wife Katrina of Roanoke; a grandson, James Braford and his wife Clare of Poulsbo, Washington; a granddaughter, Taylor Braford of Blacksburg; two great-grandsons, Levi and Asher Braford of Poulsbo, Washington; her sister, Jody Jackson of Dallas, Texas, and numerous much-loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd D. Braford Jr.; her parents, J. Maurice and Louise Taylor; and her sister Carolyn Flynn.
The family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of the Valley for caring for Peg, especially during her long isolation during the pandemic.
Following a private committal service, a memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. William Klein at High Bridge Presbyterian Church on Aug. 14 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Bridge Presbyterian Church, 67 High Bridge Church Road, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
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