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.
Elizabeth (Bessie) Peacock
)
denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section
of the National Council of Negro Women.