BIOGRAPHY

Neva Peacock was born in Sylvester, Georgia, USA, on 28 August 1914, to parents Claude Hampton Reynolds (1876–1933) and Cynthia Clyde DuPree (1881–1960). She had three older siblings, Alvin DuPree “Duke” Reynolds (1905–1997), Martha Clyde Wynn (1907–2005), and Pauline “Polly” Garr (1912–2008). At the age of six, Neva’s family relocated to Hawkinsville, where she grew up alongside her siblings. At 12, she joined the First Baptist Church of Hawkinsville. Neva graduated from Hawkinsville High School and later attended Georgia State College for Women (GSCW), now Georgia College and State University, in Milledgeville.

Following her studies at GSCW, Neva began teaching in Pulaski County, where she met William Carl Peacock, a school principal and part-time preacher. The couple married on 26 December 1940. They taught together for a year at Plainfield School in Dodge County before moving to Fort Worth, Texas, in the summer of 1941 to attend divinity school. During World War II, they also worked at Consolidated Aircraft, contributing to the manufacture of bomber planes.

In 1945, after completing divinity school, Neva and Carl moved to Griffin, Georgia, where Carl became a pastor. During their time in Griffin, they welcomed three children: Tom, Carol Ann, and Harriet. In 1955, the family relocated to Columbus, Georgia, where Carl continued his pastoral work, Neva remained active in church activities, and she pursued studies at Auburn University while raising their children. Once her children were older, Neva returned to teaching elementary school in Columbus. After Carl’s retirement, they moved back to Dodge County, where Neva resumed teaching in Chester. Together, they cherished time with their grandchildren, enjoyed traveling, participated in church activities, and maintained close friendships.

In 1997, Neva and Carl moved into a retirement home, where Carl passed away in 1998. At the retirement home, Neva took on the role of leading a low-impact exercise group six mornings a week. She was a devoted member of Plainfield Baptist Church.

At the age of 105, she frequently led Bible studies and prayer groups. At the age of 108, she still led exercise classes six days a week at the retirement community where she lived. She was also active in a bead club, where members created jewelry, with proceeds from sales supporting their Women’s Missionary Union. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she said, “Keep moving, and you’ll reach 108. And follow the best leader of all, the Lord.”

Neva Peacock passed away in Palmetto, Georgia, United States, on 23 November 2024, at the age of 110 years, 87 days.

Neva Peacock passed away in Palmetto, Georgia, United States, on 23 November 2024, at the age of 110 years, 87 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro, and validated by LongeviQuest on 4 September 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* Neva Claude Reynolds Peacock – Find A Grave

* “Some Georgia women live to see centennial, supercentenarian” – The Times Herald, 16 June 2019

* “Neva Peacock, Palmetto’s oldest resident” – Newnan-Coweta Magazine, 2022

* Neva Reynolds Peacock – Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home – Eastman, 30 November 2024

GALLERY