The Legacy of Worship of Peggy Pair Bivens
“Feelin’ Mighty Fine!”
Peggy Pair Bivens
Peggy Pair Bivens had a catchphrase that captured her spirit: “Feelin’ mighty fine!” Whether she was facing life’s deepest valleys or ordinary days, that was her unwavering response. It wasn’t just optimism—it was her faith in Christ. Born in 1928 in Iowa Park, Texas, and raised in Luling, she was a woman of humble beginnings and quiet strength. Her journey spanned nearly a century of change, yet through it all, her love for Christ and music remained unwavering.
Peggy’s early years were shaped by hardship, growing up during the Great Depression. Those lean years taught her to value the simplest joys, which perhaps explains why her life was filled with gratitude and warmth. After marrying at just 18, Peggy moved to Victoria, Texas, where she and her husband Mac raised four children. When Mac died young at 43, Peggy had to step into new roles—taking a job as a hospital patient advocate while continuing to serve as an accomplished seamstress and mother. But even through grief and life’s transitions—including burying three husbands—Peggy’s resilient faith was her anchor.
Peggy with the church worship team
Though not a professional musician, Peggy had a God-given gift: she taught herself to play the piano and became the heartbeat of worship in every church she served. From Sunday services to nursing home visits, she used her talent for over 75 years not for show, but for the soul. Peggy’s children remember her not just as a mom, but as a minister. “She was the one calling us to church every Sunday,” they said. “Her faith was present in everything she did.” Whether playing hymns like “I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen” or encouraging the great-grandkids to sing, Peggy lived out the belief that worship changes lives.
Peggy with Dr. Jena and Tyler Dunn and son
The Pair family believes that “Worship leaders and musicians have a tremendous role in today’s churches” and are often taken for granted, so they couldn’t think of a better way to honor their mother and grandmother than by helping future worship leaders grow in their calling. Thanks to the generosity of Peggy’s family and their desire to see others worship as she did, her legacy is doing just that—making others feel mighty fine, too.
The Peggy Pair Bivens Worship Ministry Endowment, was recently established at Stark College & Seminary where Peggy’s granddaughter, Dr. Jena Dunn, serves as Provost and Senior Vice President. The endowment will provide scholarships for students preparing for worship ministry–a fitting tribute to a woman who lived to lead others in praise.
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Peggy with her family