Peggy Jean Connelly Pierson, 87, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, with her son Brian Fislar and his wife Kristen by her side.

Born on June 13, 1938, in Peoria, Illinois, Peggy was the daughter of Orval and Edna (Webb) Connelly. She grew up on the Connelly Family Farm, where she learned the hard-working values that guided her throughout her life.

A 1956 graduate of Chillicothe Township High School, Peggy began her career in the mail room at Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company in Peoria. Through dedication and perseverance, she advanced steadily through the company, retiring as Vice President of the Group Life Department in 1996 after forty years of service. 

Peggy was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from her family. When Brian was growing up, she loved driving him and his close friends to every sporting event he participated in. That same enthusiasm carried into her later years as she proudly followed her grandchildren’s activities, enjoying every game, concert, or special moment. 

Peggy is survived by her son, Brian (Kristen) Fislar; her beloved grandchildren, Timothy (Brooke) Meyer, Matthew (Rosemary) Meyer, Bryce (Megan) Fislar, Mark Meyer, and Grace Fislar; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Rafe and Maddie.

In 1989, Peggy married Gene Pierson, and together they shared twenty happy years before his passing in 2009. Through her marriage to Gene Pierson, Peggy was blessed with an extended family, including Steven (Tammy) Pierson, Krystiana Pierson, and Erik Pierson, as well as Gene’s grandchildren, Brent (Caitlin) Pierson, Bradley (Bonnie) Pierson, and Brian (Whitney) Pierson.

She is also survived by her companion of the past fourteen years, John Ross. She also leaves behind John’s daughters, LeAnne (Tony) Pugh and Kristen (Keith) Gunter; and his granddaughter, Lindsey (Dan) Griffith, all of whom became part of Peggy’s extended family.

Additionally, Peggy is survived by her nephew, Gary (Doris) Symonds, and her nieces, Clara (Joseph) Groeper and Florence (Dennis) Doye.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Pierson; her parents, Orval and Edna (Webb) Connelly; her sisters, Clara Duggins and Effie Symonds; and her brother, David Connelly.

Peggy was a longtime member of the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church, where she played in the church bell choir for many years. She was also deeply involved in Altrusa (now the Chillicothe Circle of Service) and the Chillicothe High School Alumni Association, giving generously of her time to causes close to her heart.

Peggy will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community. Her love was constant, her laughter unforgettable, and her presence a steady reminder of the goodness she brought into the world.

Services were held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11am at First United Methodist Church in Chillicothe.  Visitation was held on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.  Burial followed at Chillicothe City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.