Doris Jean Peak

• Huntingdon College, Bachelor of Arts in Religion and English, Class of 1955

• Married Willie Peak on August 24, 1955

• Auburn University, Bachelor of Science, Class of 1988

• Taught fifth grade for 8 years at Davis Elementary School

• Willie and Doris Jean retired on the same day in May 1995.

• Organized and launched the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” --Romans 15:13

Doris Jean Peak, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away on October 20, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Willie Peak; her children, Beth Peak Thompson and her husband Paul Thompson; Jeanne Peak; Lee Anne Williams and her husband Charles Keith Williams; and her grandchildren, Charles Andrew Williams and Rebecca Lee Williams.

Doris Jean served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (renamed Providence) for 52 years. She was named a Life-Time member of Presbyterian Women. She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years, taking her Girl Scout Troops on many hiking and camping trips. She loved history and volunteered at Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. She and a friend taught many fourth graders throughout the years through several experiential learning programs they developed.

During the summers, Doris Jean and the girls would visit the Montgomery Public Library and Museum to see the exhibits and, of course, check out lots of books. She saw to it that her daughters had many opportunities to learn. On the mornings a rocket lifted off to travel into space, she would get them up early because she wanted them to know and learn about these important and historic events.

Doris Jean authored two books. She wrote Journey to Egypt, a moving adaptation of a legend that tells the story of how a spider wove a beautiful web that helped Mary and Joseph know that they were to take their baby, Jesus, to Egypt to escape King Herod. She also wrote Wernher von Braun—Alabama’s Rocket Scientist for young people to learn about the scientist who was the first Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL and played a major role in developing the Saturn V rocket.

Doris Jean participated in the Respite Ministry program at First United Methodist Church for the past few years. She cherished her Respite friends and flourished amidst the extraordinary love and care given by the participants, volunteers, and staff.

Doris Jean was dearly loved by her family and her many friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, generosity, hospitality, delightful laugh, twinkling eyes, and bright smile.

Contributions in her memory may be made to:

Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36106

John Knox Presbyterian Church Respite Ministry, 35 Shannon Dr., Greenville, SC 29615