After 88 years of a life generously-lived, our beloved, Margaret “Peggy” (Burns) Mills, left our sides in Chattanooga, Tennessee on January 20, 2024 to join the angels awaiting her in heaven. Predeceased by her husband, John Decker Mills; her mother and father, Jesse Matheson (Weir) Burns and James Burns; and her siblings James, Robert, Roderick, and Mary, we know her spirit has been welcomed by open arms on the other side of this life she lived so well.

Born at home in Airdrie, Scotland on June 6, 1935, Peggy was the eldest of eight siblings—James, Robert, Roderick, Mary, David, Ann, and Brian—who looked up to her with admiration and love. Though tiny in stature, over her many years she proved herself a force to be reckoned with, always advocating for family and friends alike, and showing her strength and bravery in every moment of her life until the very end.

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” - Shakespeare

In 1955, at just 20 years of age, Peggy courageously boarded the Queen Mary to embark on a journey to begin a new chapter of life in the United States. She settled in Kearny, New Jersey, sponsored by her aunt and uncle, and gained citizenship on August 23, 1974. There, she began work at RCA Corp., where she continued to take care of her family from afar, sending home some wages to support her loved ones while she built a life for herself in the States.

Over the years, she formed lasting friendships that would forever change the course of her life and the many lives she would touch. On June 4, 1961, Peggy exchanged vows with John Decker Mills, whom she met through mutual friends. Their union was blessed with three children: Thomas, Lynne, and Angela. Peggy poured her heart into providing the best life she could for her family, later doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.

Much of the family can recall the countless times she showed up on family doorsteps with bags of groceries, treats, and quality time to be had. We hold fond memories of spending time at her side watching her favorite cooking programs, the home shopping network, and the evening news, as well as our trips with her to Pepperidge Farms and Hostess surplus stores where she always told us not to ask for anything but spoiled us with baked goods anyway.

Over the years, Peggy found joy in simple pleasures, particularly in painting pottery. Her creations, whether crafted for friends or as wedding favors, reflected her creativity and generosity of spirit. Her crafting cabinets were always full of pins, pom poms, and paint awaiting her next project.

In the early 1980s, Peggy dedicated her time to Kiddie Keep Well Camp in Edison, New Jersey, a haven for underprivileged children. Her compassionate nature and unwavering dedication touched countless lives of a younger generation. She retired from the camp in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of love and service.

After her retirement, Peggy relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to be nearer to her son Tommy and his husband Scott until 2007 when they all relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. In 2023, after Scott’s passing, Peggy and Tommy moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to be closer to more family members, where she spent her final months surrounded by love and adding to the many cherished memories we will hold near to our hearts for a lifetime yet to come.

Peggy is survived by her three children along with their spouses: Thomas, Lynne and her husband Tim, and Angela and her husband Adam; her remaining siblings, David, Ann, and Brian; seven grandchildren, Michael and his wife Rachel, Shana and her husband David, Ryan and his wife Stacey, Ashley and her husband Brandon, Danny and his partner Diane, Taylor and her husband Brett, and Jacob; along with thirteen great-grandchildren, plus one more on the way, all of whom will know her legacy and feel the love she’s passed through the generations and that will live on eternally through the impact she has had on all our lives.

We understand that Peggy's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. As we mourn our loss, we find solace in the cherished memories we shared and the enduring impact she had on our lives. In this time of sadness, may we draw strength from one another and find comfort in the love and support of family and friends, and not let her passing overshadow the years of joy and laughter she brought to all our lives.

Her spirit of resilience, kindness, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Though she has departed from this world, her memory will continue to inspire and guide us. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

The family is planning on two memorial services. One in Chattanooga, Tennessee to be held on March 30th 2024 and a second to be held in Airdrie, Scotland later this year. 

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