Elizabeth (Bessie) Peacock

Elizabeth (Bessie) Peacock was born in 1898 in Monticello, Georgia. She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Fannie) Gorden and Eldridge Showers. Elizabeth's paternal grandfather was Paschal Showers. She attended grammar school in Monticello, Georgia.

In 1920, Elizabeth married George Peacock, Sr. He had five children from a previous marriage. They moved to Urbana, Illinois in 1922. To this union, ten children were born (five boys and five girls).

Mr. Peacock worked a short time for the Big Four Railroad and then for many years as a construction worker for the Somers-Barr Company, a long-time construction business in Urbana. Mrs. Peacock was also a housewife.

She was very active in the J.W. Hayes Parent Teacher Association and its first African-American President. Her work with the PTA continued through the years.

Elizabeth was a faithful and loving woman. As a staunch member of the Salem Baptist Church, she served on the Mother's Board, worked with the food preparation group serving meals for families after funerals and other Church events, served as a representative to Church Women United, and worked whenever she was needed to serve her Church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star - Daughter of Isis.

Elizabeth Peacock died in 1992.