Ruby "Lea" Leona (Henderson) Peacock

Ruby Leona “Lea” Henderson was born to Richard Cecil and Willie Ella (Barnes) Henderson in Lubbock Texas on September 25, 1924.  She attended schools in Roscoe, Harmony (a two room school), De Leon and graduated from Comyn Texas in 1941. She married Billy Louis Peacock in Dublin Texas on December 05, 1942.

Her husband, Billy, had enlisted in the Navy and Lea, worked in civil service positions in California, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Orleans, Louisiana. While her husband was in the Pacific she worked in the Richmond Shipyard Number 3 in the Gunnery Department for Kaiser, Inc.

After the war they returned to Lubbock, where she worked as a bookkeeper as Billy completed High School and graduated from Texas Tech.  Their first son, Michael Louis, was born in Gorman Texas in 1947. After Billy returned from the Korean War a second son, Billy Patrick, was born in Lubbock in 1954.

They moved to Roaring Springs, Texas in 1958-59 and Lea worked in the Post Office and worked for Judge Mitchell in the City business office.  In the mid 60’s she owned and managed a variety store and later owned and operated Lee’s Feed and Seed until 1980. Although she had retired from the business world, she was employed at Stanley’s Pharmacy and in later years she worked for the Boll Weevil Program and at times for the U. S. Census.

She was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star January 3, 1957, in Quitaque, TX, transferring to Roaring Springs March of 1959. The lodge was consolidated with Matador in 1970 and in 2010 the Matador lodge consolidated with Floydada.  She served in the OES for over 63 years and is a Past Matron and served as the Deputy Grand Matron in 1966-67.

Lea supported and was involved in many organizations and clubs. Her work with the 4-H Programs as a leader was recognized several times over the years as a Gold, Pearl, and Diamond Clover Award recipient. She was prominent in her church involvement, attending Methodist conferences and serving on multiple committees and groups. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, was involved in the Roaring Springs Community Volunteers and other civic and community groups.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Billy Louis Peacock, a brother, R. C. Henderson, and one grandson, Jon Peacock. She is survived by one sister, Frances and husband Bill Dunn of Stonyford CA,  two sons, Michael and wife Tobie Josefa Peacock of Midlothian, VA, and Billy Pat and Sharon Peacock of Palacios; four grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Viewing will be held from 6-8 P.M., September 13th at the Zapata Funeral Home in Matador.

Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on September 14th, at the First United Methodist Church of Matador with interment in the Roaring Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roaring Springs Cemetery Association, Box 360, Roaring Springs, TX  79256