Jo Ann Peaks-Neville

A proud graduate of Northern High School, Class of 1979, she answered a divine calling to care for others, earning her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma from Durham Technical Community College in 1981. She began her nursing career at Duke University Hospital, where she served with compassion and dedication until 2001. She later continued her work at UNC Family Medicine, where her gentle spirit and caring hands brought comfort and dignity to countless lives until her retirement in 2014.

Rooted deeply in her faith, she devoted her life to Christ and was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

Her life was a reflection of both grace and strength. She had a gift for lifting spirits—her laughter was contagious, and she always seemed to know exactly what to say to bring light into someone’s darkest moment. Though she was loving, nurturing, and kind, she stood firmly in her truth, embodying both compassion and unwavering strength.

She leaves to cherish her legacy her husband, Ymiel Neville; her children, Derek Peaks and Angela Etheredge of Bahama; and her stepson, Brandon Neville (Myasia Neville) of Marietta, Georgia. Her love continues through her grandchildren, Cade Peaks, Seidon Etheredge, Sincere Neville, and True Neville, each carrying a piece of her radiant spirit.

She is also lovingly remembered by her mother, Josephine Peaks; her brothers, Patrick Peaks (Simone Peaks), Ronnie Peaks (Reesheda Peaks), and Greg Peaks; her nephews, Darius Peaks and Deondre Peaks; her niece, Mizani Peaks; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins whose lives were touched by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Peaks Sr.; her paternal grandparents, George “Graham” Peaks and Annie Peaks; and her maternal grandparents, Albert Bullock and Vera Bullock, all of whom now rest in eternal peace.

Though her physical presence has been released, her spirit lives on—guiding, covering, and loving us from beyond. Her life reminds us that love endures beyond this realm and, through faith, we are never truly separated.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Bahama, North Carolina. 

Burial services will be private and held for immediate family only.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.