Peggy Sue Larney, 81, a pillar of the American Indian community and a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
A Life of Purpose and Community
Born in McAlester to Johnson and Ethel (Perry) Taylor, Peggy’s journey took her from Haskell Institute to Dallas, where she met and married the love of her life, Larry Larney. Together, they built a family and raised two sons, Brian and Troy.
Peggy arrived in Dallas during the era of the Indian Relocation Act, a time that defined her life’s work. She didn’t just join a community; she helped build one from the ground up. Alongside Larry, she became a fixture in local athletics—coaching and leading leagues in basketball, baseball, softball, and bowling. Their crowning achievement in youth sports was the leadership of the All-American Indian Basketball Student Tournament, which remains a benchmark for success in the region.
Beyond her local advocacy, Peggy was a vital bridge to higher education, working tirelessly to support American Indian students and cultural programs across North Texas. She was a frequent collaborator and advocate at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Texas Christian University (TCU), and the University of North Texas (UNT), as well as the various campuses of Dallas College. Whether mentoring students, speaking at diversity conferences, or consulting on Indigenous curriculum, she ensured that the presence and contributions of Native people were recognized within these academic institutions.
Her influence also extended to the city’s cultural heart as a driving force behind American Indian non-profit organizations and grassroots community groups. She was instrumental in organizing traditional powwows and grassroots initiatives that provided resources, visibility, and a sense of belonging for the urban Indian population in Dallas and beyond.
Advocacy and Heritage
A proud full-blood American Indian and citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Mississippi Band of Choctaw), Peggy dedicated her career to civil rights and education. As a Program Specialist for the American Indian Education Program within the Dallas Independent School District, she touched the lives of countless students.
Her advocacy reached the highest levels of state government when she and Larry successfully championed the creation of American Indian Heritage Day in Texas, cementing Indigenous history into state law.
Family and Legacy
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Larney; her son, Troy Larney; her parents, Johnson and Ethel Taylor; and her brothers, Arnold and Jessie Taylor.
Her legacy of strength and leadership is carried on by her son, Brian Larney, and her cherished granddaughter, Adara Cruz, and her husband Brinks. Peggy took immense pride in her three great-granddaughters Amelia and the twins – Aria & Adelina, who were the lights of her life.
She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews—Charlie Taylor, Brandon Taylor, Donya Battiest, and Starla Austin (Ed)—as well as a wide circle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends and community members she served so faithfully throughout her life.