Margaret "Peggie" Rose Marks

Margaret “Peggie” Rose Marks passed away peacefully on June 16, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy.

Peggie was born on July 28, 1952, in Sevierville, TN. She grew up in Maryville, TN, where she graduated from Everett High School in 1969 at the age of 16. She went on to study Engineering at UTK for 2 years before earning a degree in Programming at the age of 19.

Peggie worked at Knoxville Computer Center from 1971-1986 as a System Analyst. She then worked for Proffitt’s Department Stores as an I.T. Merchandise Support Manager from 1986-2005. She retired from 2005-2012 to spend time with her family before joining Altar’d State in 2012, where she really did “Stand Out For Good.”

Peggie loved her family — especially her three grandchildren. She enjoyed relaxing on oceanfront balconies, listening to MTV unplugged albums while soaking in the bathtub, reading Stephen King in cozy chairs, and watching Broadway plays and science fiction movies with her children. Peggie was brilliant, strong-willed, and honest. She was kind to all. Never hesitating to offer support to loved ones, Peggie was the first person many would call for help. Neighborhood kids made a second home at Peggie’s house, adopting her as the “cool” mom. They were drawn to her kind-hearted nature, protectiveness, open-mindedness, and spent many hours learning from her about Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kurt Cobain, and John Lennon.

She was a supportive mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, colleague, neighbor, and friend who loved unconditionally. She hated racism, homophobia, bullying, and violence of any kind. She believed in doing what was right and lived by example. She loved her career and spent countless hours over 50 years pouring her knowledge and energy into her work. She was organized and a true asset to all of her previous employers. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed. Peggie was admired by everyone who knew her.

Peggie was preceded in death by: her daughter (Elizabeth), her sister (Sandra Hutson), her brother (George Knell), her father (Lonas Lacey), the father of her children (James Marks, Jr.), her father-in-law (Dr. James Marks, Sr.), and many grandparents and cousins.

Peggie is survived by: her beloved mother (Blanche Lacey), her beloved daughters (Carrie Davis, Morgan Locke, Lindsey Marks), her beloved son-in-laws (Reid Davis, Anthony Locke), her beloved grandchildren (Lennon Breazeale, Marley Kyle, Sutton Davis), her beloved mother-in-law (Barbara Marks), her beloved sister-in-laws (Martha Knell, Marianne Marks Garafola, Susan Marks), her beloved nieces and nephews (Allie Knell, Joseph Garafola, Cristina Garafola, Patrick Hutson, and Gabriel Hutson), and many cousins.

Her work families at Proffitt’s and Altar’d State described Peggie as having a brilliant mind for retail that is hard to find. She was someone who everyone knew they could count on. She had a skill set, drive, and dedication that is irreplaceable and led her to touch most parts of the retail business. She worked relentless hours to do what was best, working with many people in many different departments. Peggie was strong-willed and was very confident in her beliefs. She would do anything for anyone in need and demonstrated empathy towards all. Those that were close to Peggie knew she loved to laugh and had a talent for finding humor in tough times. She loved 60’s and 70’s rock music and would start her day off at the office listening to the likes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Queen. A great coworker and friend, Peggie will be dearly missed.

Peggie will be honored in a Celebration of Life on June 22, 2022, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, TN. Visiting hours are from 4-6pm, with a service to follow at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Doctors Without Borders.