A tribute to a life of service, community, and love.
Rev. Frances Jane Cobb Peel passed away peacefully in Nags Head, NC, leaving a rich legacy of love, community service, and social justice. Her impactful journey spanned the arts, education, and ministry, inspiring many throughout her life. A Celebration of Life will honor her contributions and influence on March 1st at the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church.
In the serene surroundings of Nags Head, North Carolina, Rev. Frances Jane Cobb Peel departed this world peacefully on February 7, 2025. She was enveloped in love and family during her final moments, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations.
Brought into the world on April 27, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Frances was the beloved daughter of Francis Norton Cobb and Leona Jane Enders. Her early years were marked by a burgeoning passion for the arts; she developed a remarkable talent in ballet and dance, becoming a classical and contemporary dancer with the Oklahoma City Ballet Company. Her performances extended beyond the stage, appearing in local television productions that showcased her artistic flare.
After pursuing her artistic ambitions, she transitioned to the field of education and theology, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biblical History from Wellesley College. Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop there; she went on to attain a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
It was at Union Theological Seminary that Frances met her husband, Rev. Craig Lindley Peel. Their union spanned an impressive 63 years, characterized by a mutual commitment to service and social justice. Their collective efforts were particularly impactful during the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, where Frances worked in East Harlem, igniting her fervor for social justice issues that would define her life’s work.
Frances’s commitment to education was evident as she later returned to New York Theological Seminary to earn a Master of Divinity. Subsequently, she took on the role of adjunct faculty, focusing on the pivotal role of women in the Bible. In 1989, she became one of the earliest women ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church USA, breaking barriers for future generations of women in ministry.
Frances’s influence extended beyond the church walls. Her tireless efforts in various communities included teaching special education in Simsbury, CT, and Windham, NH, as well as managing programs for challenged adults in Worcester, MA. Notably, she played a crucial role in the resettlement of Cambodian refugees during the 1970s, showcasing her dedication to humanitarian efforts. In Dare County, NC, she served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children’s rights and wellbeing within the court system.
Her pastoral career saw her shepherding two churches in Massachusetts before she answered the call to lead the Nashua Presbyterian Church in New Hampshire. During her esteemed leadership there, she oversaw significant growth and the construction of the congregation’s first building, laying a solid foundation for future generations.
In 2000, Frances and her husband retired to the breathtaking Outer Banks, where she devoted herself to raising her grandchildren alongside her volunteer work in the community. She actively participated in the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church’s prayer team, flower ministry, and worship team. A creative soul, she engaged in artisan crafting, turning sea glass from beach walks into beautiful jewelry, and pursued painting, capturing the vibrant beauty of birds through watercolor and acrylic.
As a devoted mother to four children, a grandmother to nine, and a great-grandmother to four, Frances attended every school play, concert, and sporting event, embodying support and love for her family. Her final message to her loved ones encompassed a call to care for those in need and to put others before oneself, a true reflection of her life’s work and values.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church in Kill Devil Hills on March 1st at 1:00 PM, followed by a fellowship gathering that honors her remarkable journey and impact on countless lives. In accordance with her wishes, memorial contributions may be directed to the Dare County Arts Council or the OBX Room in the Inn, institutions that resonate with her values of service and community engagement.
Rev. Frances Jane Cobb Peel leaves behind a magnificent legacy of love, social justice, community service, and profound faith that will forever inspire those whose lives she touched.
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