Lucy McPherson Obituary

Lucy Helen (Repass) McPherson

June 11, 1933 -

March 11, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - Lucy Helen (Repass) McPherson, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, in her family home in Johnson City, Tennessee, following three years of hospice care. The celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, March 17th at 4:00pm at Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City. Friends are welcome at her home on Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm, March 15, or before the service on Tuesday, beginning at 2:30pm in the sanctuary at Grandview.

Lucy Helen was born June 11, 1933, in Johnson City, the oldest child of W.R. "Bob" and Grace Anderson Repass. She grew up there with her sister, Katie (Mary Catherine). Lucy attended The Training School (later University High) and graduated from East Tennessee State University, majoring in home economics. She maintained a lifelong relationship with ETSU, working as director of catering, and serving in numerous leadership roles with the alumni association.

Teaching-both formally and informally-was woven throughout Lucy's life. She taught mechanical drawing in Atlanta and sewing courses at the Technical School, though those lively classes inevitably expanded to include whatever home economics skill seemed most useful that week. She also worked in hospitality, helping pioneer a role at the Jonesborough Visitor's Center and later operating a bed-and-breakfast from the home she loved.

She was a proud founding member of the Gamma Phi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, treasured her bridge club, lunch club, and served as president of the Johnson City Monday Club. A committed participant in civic life, Lucy served as president of Tennessee Republican Women, campaigned for the first female justice of Tennessee's First District, advocated for the establishment of the medical school at ETSU, and never missed an opportunity to vote.

The Repass family were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, where Lucy celebrated her wedding to Jim Tom McPherson on June 24, 1955. Following her marriage, Lucy joined J.T. at First Christian Church, Johnson City, where they helped to found a Sunday School class. Charged by the minister to recruit their friends, she faithfully participated in her beloved and aptly named Win-a-kuple class for the rest of her life.

Raised in a family devoted to faith and community, Lucy carried those values into her own life and found deep joy in serving others. Among the outreach closest to her heart was knitting hats for Niswonger Children's Hospital and cancer patients at Johnson City Medical Center. She also volunteered with CONTACT Cares, participated in Al-Anon, supported nonprofit fundraising efforts, and regularly donated blood through the Red Cross.

Lucy's life touched countless communities. She lived for most of her life on the same street, knowing her neighbors well and sharing in the rhythms of their lives. Lucy cherished numerous strong friendships, including some that began at The Training School and never ended. She wished to be remembered fondly by her innumerable "non-birth children," Good ol' Boys, and McPherson Wanabes-anyone who wandered through her house found food, cards, conversation, and love. Lucy believed a home should always have room for one more at the table, one more chair at the card game, and one more person who needed to feel loved.

Lucy and her husband, JT, raised six children who-along with their own families-carry forward the traditions of hospitality, service, and faith she cherished. Family gatherings remain both treasured memories and enduring traditions. She delighted in being together, believed grandchildren were among life's greatest joys, filled her walls with photographs of her children, and took particular pride in the fact that her children truly enjoy one another's company.

In her final years, Lucy's lifelong care for others was returned by an extraordinary team of caregivers, nurses, and hospice staff who made it possible for her to remain in the home she loved. Their kindness and devotion became a blessing not only to Lucy, but to her entire family.

Lucy is survived by her children: Tom McPherson and Diane Leonard, Mary Nell McPherson and Kevin Strawn, Bill and June McPherson, Joe and Paula McPherson, Beth and Buddy Arnold, Lucy and Jim Crain; grandchildren Mollie, Rosie, Kelli, Will, Marissa, Corey, Tucker, Sam, Catie, Thomas, and Jacob; and many precious great-grandchildren.

She is reunited with her husband, parents, sister, grandparents, and aunts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Niswonger's Children Hospital c/o Ballad Health Foundation, 423-302-3131; NourishUp Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte NC, c/o the church's 10-cents-a-meal offering, 704-332-5123; or the Win-a-kuple Class Outreach Fund, c/o First Christian Church, 423-232-5700.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care of friends and neighbors, and they give thanks for the abundant and generous life of Lucy Helen.