Margaret Anne "Peg" Pickens

Margaret Anne "Peg" Pickens, 88, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at Franklin Woods in Johnson City after a short illness. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Erwin McWhorter and Ola Ann Loyd McWhorter of LaFayette, Georgia, and her husband, Gerald Pickens, of Johnson City.

Peg was born on October 22, 1937, in Chickamauga, Georgia. She was a graduate of the Girls Preparatory School (GPS) in Chattanooga. She then graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree in interior design. While at UT, she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She later served as an active member of the University of Tennessee Women's Alumni Association.

She was the owner-manager of the Jean Shack in Johnson City in the 1970s and then worked as an interior designer for several years until joining the R.W. Mitscher Company. After retirement, Peg spent time traveling across the country to work in gift shops at several national parks, including Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in Wyoming, Zion National Park in Utah, and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. She also worked for Stein Mart, Make-A-Wish, Second Harvest, and served as a U.S. Census taker.

Peg was deeply involved in the Johnson City Symphony, serving on its board of directors. She was also active in numerous civic, cultural, and social organizations, often in leadership and service roles. These included the Junior League, Junior Monday Club, Garden Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Clan Buchanan, the National Storytelling Festival, Bridge Club, the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem: Priory of St. Andrew, and the Toastmasters. Peg also enthusiastically celebrated her Scottish heritage as a participant in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. She was also a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Johnson City.

She loved playing bridge, entertaining friends, pet sitting, and showering her special grand-dogs with numerous treats.

Peg was known for her independence, her love of travel, her vibrant spirit, and the joy she found in her many friendships and adventures. She was full of life, love, and a little spice until the very end. She lived life fully and on her own terms.

Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Young (Ronnie) and son, Warren Dunbar (Beth); grandchildren, Melissa Young, Jake Dunbar, Wendi Minutolo (Chris), and Kayte Dunbar; and great-grandchildren, Everette, Peyton, and Jasper Minutolo.

A celebration of life for Peg Pickens will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Johnson City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Humane Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the family. (423) 282-1521