Elizabeth (Bessie) Peacock

Elizabeth (Bessie) Peacock was born in Monticello, Georgia in 1902, the daughter of Elizabeth Gorden and Paschal Showers. She attended grammar school in Monticello, Georgia.

She married George Peacock, Sr. (A widower with 5 children) in 1920 and moved to Urbana, Illinois in 1922. To this union, 10 children were born (5 boys and 5 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 a housewife.

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

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 needed to serve her Church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star - Daughter of Isis. She was a faithful and loving woman.

She died in 1992.