Barbara Peabody Obituary

Barbara Jean (Savage) Peabody, 86, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025. She was born on January 7, 1939, in Venice, Illinois, to Theodore Ephesian and Corinne Leona (Gray) Savage. Both parents, in addition to Barbara's three siblings, Dr. Theodore (Ted) Savage, Carnestra Savage, and Osbie Savage, Sr., preceded her in death.
Barbara Jean grew up in a close-knit family, embodying values of hard work, education, and excellence. As a young girl, she enjoyed playing the piano and taking dance lessons, activities that reflected her grace and creativity. During her high school years at Lincoln Senior High School, she was a cheerleader, demonstrating her enthusiasm, leadership, and spirited personality. She graduated in 1955 and pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State Normal University in 1958 and a Master of Education from the University of Illinois in 1961. Her passion for teaching led her to begin a career in education, and she later worked toward a doctoral degree at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Barbara Jean devoted 45 years to a remarkable career in education, teaching and mentoring countless students. She worked with the St. Louis (Ford School) and East Saint Louis School Districts and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (1970's), eventually finishing her career at A. M. Jackson Elementary School. In addition, Barbara Jean worked in the after- school programs at Venice and A. M. Jackson School. She was a dedicated and inspiring educator who left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues.
On December 24, 1961, Barbara Jean married Joseph Roosevelt Peabody, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They were blessed with three children: Kimberly L. Peabody, PhD, Kraig R. Peabody, and Kendall C. Peabody, Sr.
Barbara Jean had many passions that enriched her life. She was an avid reader and a proud member of the Birthday Book Club (BBC) and regularly played Scrabble with her friends over lunch. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively, including trips to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; Melbourne, Australia; London, England (twice); Paris, France (twice); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (twice); and Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel. She had a keen eye for fashion, with a particular fondness for Ralph Lauren designs, and she was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team.
Barbara Jean was also a proud member of the East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, which she pledged in 1986, and the Professional Women's Club, where she connected with like- minded individuals who shared her passion for leadership and service.
Barbara Jean is survived by her children, Kimberly L. Peabody, PhD, Kraig R. Peabody, and Kendall C. Peabody, Sr.; her grandchildren, Adrian K. Peabody, Kendall C. Peabody, Jr., Jaden J. Peabody, and Maya N. I. Peabody; her sisters-in-law, Phyllis Savage and Bessie Peabody; her nieces, Carla Savage Mazique (Arman) and Wanda Savage Moore (Joseph); her nephew, Osbie Savage, Jr. (Helena); as well as a host of cousins; other beloved family members and dear friends.
Barbara Jean will be remembered for her love, kindness, generosity and fashion sense! Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have been part of her life.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
MRS. BARBARA J. PEABODY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.