Mrs. Sylvia Griffith Peacock

Sylvia Griffith Peacock was born on November 29th, 1921 to Theodore Barton Griffith and Helen Wheelock Griffith. She was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, attending Tudor Hall until her graduation in 1938. Sylvia acquired a B.A. in History at Smith College, followed by an M.A. in History at Butler University. On June 26th of 1943, Sylvia married John Edward Dean Peacock. John and Sylvia began a family in 1946 and had 3 children: Jay, Holly, and Sandy. Sylvia was a perpetual, unflagging presence in her children's lives. She took an extremely active role in her grandchildren's lives the second they came into the world and was unwaveringly devoted to all of them.

In the 1960's and 1970's, she taught at Shortridge High School, the Herron School of Art, and Butler University instilling a love of world history in her students.

Sylvia Peacock was thoroughly and wholeheartedly active in the Indianapolis community. Throughout her life, Sylvia gave much of her time to various organizations and causes. She lent her support to Planned Parenthood as well as the Visiting Nurse Service and Foundation. Sylvia was an active member and past president of the Indianapolis Woman's Club. Fueled by her passion for art history, she became a board member and valued docent at The Indianapolis Museum of Art. Her love for culture and the arts extended to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Ensemble Music Society, and she was once a co-chair for the Violin Competition. Sylvia fostered her love of nature through her board position with the Indianapolis Garden Club.

Her activities in her local community were only a microcosm of the sort of individual she was. She advocated the conservation of the Earth and its resources before it was fashionable to do so. She was a voracious reader and constantly aware of political and social events all over the world. Sylvia possessed a profound intellectual curiosity that she passed on directly to her children and grandchildren. She devoted her time to the betterment of the world around her through sharing her love of learning, her benevolent heart, sense of humor, strength, and expert tact. The way in which led her life and the contributions she consistently made to others were what Gandhi had in mind when he said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Sylvia's greatest accomplishments and finest attributes can never be fully expressed through the simple transfer of ink to paper. Her essence could never be captured through lists of awards, accomplishments, and deeds or through expertly written biographical prose. Sylvia's mind and beauty pale in comparison to her spirit and the gift of who she was. They will instead be realized in the way her children and grandchildren lead their lives, the way they treat others, and the manner in which they approach the world--free from prejudice and with deep curiosity.

Sylvia Griffith Peacock is survived by her husband, John Edward Dean Peacock, her oldest son, Jay Peacock, his wife, Sally Peacock, her granddaughter, Morgan Coleman and her husband, Andrew Coleman, her daughter, Holly Peacock, her granddaughter, Reagan Wheelock Young, her grandson, Trevor Griffith Young, her youngest son, Sandy Peacock, her granddaughter, Josie Peacock, and her grandson, Alexander Griffith Peacock.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Service or the charity of your choice.