Peggy Stiles McKown

Peggy was born September 11, 1931, to the late James Park Stiles, Sr. and Mary Reese Stiles in LaFayette, GA. She was the oldest of three children. Peggy graduated from LaFayette High School in 1948 at age 16 as the valedictorian of her class. She then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA with a degree in English Literature.

Mrs. McKown’s work career began as a cartographer for TVA in the early 1950s. She also taught kindergarten at the Lutheran School. Peggy devoted herself to raising her three children. She later went to work for many years as a bookkeeper for her brother Bob at Flegal Insurance in Rossville, GA. With a degree in English Lit, Peggy always said two jobs she would never have were teaching and bookkeeping. She later often said, “Never say never.”

For more than 50 years, Peggy was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in East Ridge where she enjoyed singing soprano in the choir. She loved classical music and the traditional music sung by the choir. One of her favorites was the performance of Handel’s “Messiah” during the Advent season.

Peggy loved to play bridge from the time she entered college and learned how to play (and she was good at it!) She played on Tuesdays with a group of women, some the same, for many years. Her children jokingly said to never plan anything on a Tuesday because Peggy would not miss playing bridge. She also loved to read and gained a wealth of knowledge from doing so. She could beat you at Jeopardy on any subject related to British royalty, Shakespeare and literature, classical music, geography, and many others.

“Peppy,” or “Poppy,” as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, will be remembered for her down to earth insights on life, funny expressions, unwavering faith, and sunny disposition. She was proud of the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite sayings was, “Look at all these people Granddaddy and I are responsible for bringing into this world.” She was cherished and will be dearly missed.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William Erskine McKown, Jr., brothers James Park Stiles, Jr., and Robert David Stiles, Sr., and grandson Andrew James McKown.

Survivors include three children, Dr. David (Cynthia) McKown of Escondido, CA; Lane (Konnie) McKown of Ringgold, GA; and Linda (Dr. Garry) Day of Epworth, GA; grandchildren Molly (Sam) Coe, Brianne McKown, Patrick (Andrea) McKown, Anthony Pecos, Gabriella Pecos, Erin (Dr. Joshua) Worthington, Grant McKown, Jonathan McKown, Dr. Emily (Steven) Hodskins and Laura Day; three great grandchildren, Elliott Coe, Adam Worthington and Gillian Coe; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, October 21st at 4 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Family will receive friends from 2-4 pm at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 822 Belvoir Ave, East Ridge, TN, 37412. Interment will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday for family.

Arrangements are held by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 S Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.