Submit Your Condolence
All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.
Frances Cobb Peel
Rev. Frances Jane Cobb Peel was received joyfully into heaven on February 7, 2025 in Nags Head, NC surrounded by love and her family.
She was born on April 27, 1938 in Oklahoma City, OK to the late Francis Norton Cobb and Leona Jane Enders. During her youth, she developed a talent for ballet and dance. She was chosen to be a classical and contemporary dancer with the Oklahoma City Ballet Company and performed in local television productions.
She continued to teach dance and choreography at Wellesley College where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biblical History. She went on to earn her first master’s degree in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary in New York City where she met her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Craig Lindley Peel. Together they worked in East Harlem during the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s and she developed a passion for social justice that inspired the rest of her life. Later, when her children were grown, she returned to New York Theological Seminary and was awarded her Master of Divinity. She became adjunct faculty focusing her teaching and research on the role of women in the bible. She was among the earliest women ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament into the Presbyterian Church USA in 1989.
Throughout her life, Fran had many vocations as she raised her family. She worked tirelessly in each community in which she lived to enhance the lives of others. She taught special education in Simsbury, CT and Windham, NH and was active in the resettlement of refugees displaced by the Cambodian civil war in the 1970s. She managed a program for challenged adults in Worcester, MA. She worked as a guardian ad litem in the Dare County, NC court system to advocate for children.
Fran served two churches in Massachusetts before receiving her call to the Nashua Presbyterian Church in NH. She pastored that growing congregation for five years and one of her proudest accomplishments was the growth of that parish and the construction of its first building.
She loved to travel, and among the highlights of her life were a trip to the Holy Land, several visits to Medjugorje and Croatia, and a trip to South Africa leading to the establishment of a lasting church partnership between a South African Presbyterian Congregation and the church she served in Nashua, NH.
She retired to the Outer Banks in 2000 to help raise her grandchildren. She continued to volunteer in the community and on the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church’s prayer team, flower ministry, and worship team.
In her “spare” time, Fran was an artisan. Proximity to the ocean led her to early morning walks on the beach to find sea glass, which she crafted into beautiful jewelry. A talented artist, she found joy in painting with watercolors and acrylics, often capturing the beauty of birds in her work, a testament to her gentle and creative spirit.
Above all, she was devoted to her children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them at school plays, concerts, and sporting events. She leaves behind four children: Chris Peel (Karen) of Atlanta, GA; Debi Mahler Baum (Jonathan) of Kill Devil Hills, NC; Jim Peel (Kim) of Denver, NC; and Sarah Rosenstein (Ian) of Clinton, NY. Nine grandchildren: Luke (Eleonora), Matthew (Brie), Lauren (Chris), and Thomas Mahler; Meghan Levy (Ryan) and Michael Peel; Dillon (Lauren) and Hunter Peel; Corrin Rosenstein. Four great-grandchildren: Olivia, Mason, and Laken Mahler; and Saylor Peel.
We loved more, lived more, and hoped more because “Nana” was in our lives. Some of her parting words to her family were that Jesus has called us to do better in this world, to take care of those in need, to think less of ourselves and more of others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church in Kill Devil Hills on March 1st at 1 pm. There will be a fellowship gathering following the service to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dare County Arts Council (darearts.org) or OBX Room in the Inn (obxroominitheinn.org) in accordance with her wishes. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Oh Fran you have been so on my mind. Have always loved you so much! Happy to have a beautiful piece of your artwork, which always brings joy. Grateful for your wonderful life, all I've learned from you, and all the fun we've had. Love and hugs to Craig and the family.
Like the beach glass she collected and fashioned, little pieces of Fran are with us along with many fond memories of time shared. Ken and I still have a magnificent Christmas Cactus from a cutting she shared with our couples’ book group 16 years ago. Wishing Craig and your whole loving family comfort during this sad time.
Dear Debi and families Your mom touched so many lives. She will be remembered on you, your brothers and sister’s lives. May she rest in peace Lynne
Oh the world is a little dimmer without her here. She was fun and kind. May we honor her legacy well.
Bob & I know where Fran is now, with her Lord. We have been so blessed by her & Craig's friendship for many great years. We send our love & comfort to the family. Love you always. ❤
Craig, Chris, Debi, Jim, Sarah and your entire extended family, I'm so sad to hear about Fran. I know they are celebrating her arrival in heaven! She left a huge mark on the world and on my life. She was my English teacher in middle school. She ran a tight ship in the classroom but did it with love and compassion. We were neighbors on the lake. I have many fond memories there, swimming, sailing, & campfires. I'll never forget Mark winning in chubby bunnies. In my 20's I suffered a complete mental breakdown. She was there for me, everyday if needed. Fran literally kept me alive during that tragic span of my life. I would not be a functional adult (mostly functional) without her love, knowledge, compassion and spiritual guidance. Thank you to her entire family for sharing her and her love with me, and so many others. She was was a special angel, great mom, and wonderful wife. I know she will be dearly missed. My love to all of you, Lynda Brierley Lipke
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother led a beautiful, inspiring life. I can see her strength and values reflected in your family. Peace be with you.
My love and prayers go out to all of you. I loved getting to know Fran while we were living on the beach. The sea glass nativity that she made for me is a precious reminder of her talent, love for Jesus, and love for others. I will cherish it always.
Fran was a beautiful shining light to those around her. She was a genuine reflection of God's love, grace and compassion. Her loving heart was reflected in her kind words, and thoughtful acts. I cherish the little time that I had with her. What a true example of God's love for all creation. Fran, thank you for your kindness and showing us God's grace.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Did not know her long but she was cherished by all who knew her.Rest in peace.
Craig - so incredibly sorry for your loss. Fran was an awesome lady. Will always remember her kindness. Tia O'Neal
To all her family and friends, I share in your grief. Of course not as profoundly as you who knew her best and longest but in a deep understanding of this kind of loss. I hope that knowing you are all being thought of with love in this sad time will help you move through it with grace and strength. Maria
Craig, I am so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. She was such a loving, talented, giving person. I had just been thinking about you two a few days ago. Wondering why I hadn't seen you in a while and hoping all was well. I would attend the service today but I'm just getting over the flu. She was an amazing person and will be missed. Love, Sherrie Lemnios
Condolences to the Baum and Mahler families.
Dear Mr. Craig, Debi and Family, My deepest condolences!! I have you in my thoughts and prayers🙏 Mrs. Fran was a very special woman. She made me feel like I was with a friend from the very first time I met her, even though I’m sure she couldn’t understand my broken English. Later on after Mrs Fran got used to my accent, she took over the role of e therapist with me ( she knew I needed one but couldn’t afford it), and she made me feel comfortable to talk about things I couldn’t talk with anyone else:) I’m sure she is smiling as she sees me writing this:) Love you Mrs Fran, and will always miss you. Thank you for your time, love, and wonderful memories 🙏💟☮️
Oh Fran you have been so on my mind. Have always loved you so much! Happy to have a beautiful piece of your artwork, which always brings joy. Grateful for your wonderful life, all I’ve learned from you, and all the fun we’ve had. Love and hugs to Craig and the family.
Like the beach glass she collected and fashioned, little pieces of Fran are with us along with many fond memories of time shared. Ken and I still have a magnificent Christmas Cactus from a cutting she shared with our couples’ book group 16 years ago. Wishing Craig and your whole loving family comfort during this sad time.
Dear Debi and families
Your mom touched so many lives. She will be remembered on you, your brothers and sister’s lives. May she rest in peace
Lynne
Oh the world is a little dimmer without her here. She was fun and kind. May we honor her legacy well.
Bob & I know where Fran is now, with her Lord. We have been so blessed by her & Craig’s friendship for many great years. We send our love & comfort to the family. Love you always. ❤
Craig, Chris, Debi, Jim, Sarah and your entire extended family,
I’m so sad to hear about Fran. I know they are celebrating her arrival in heaven! She left a huge mark on the world and on my life.
She was my English teacher in middle school. She ran a tight ship in the classroom but did it with love and compassion. We were neighbors on the lake. I have many fond memories there, swimming, sailing, & campfires. I’ll never forget Mark winning in chubby bunnies.
In my 20’s I suffered a complete mental breakdown. She was there for me, everyday if needed. Fran literally kept me alive during that tragic span of my life. I would not be a functional adult (mostly functional) without her love, knowledge, compassion and spiritual guidance. Thank you to her entire family for sharing her and her love with me, and so many others.
She was was a special angel, great mom, and wonderful wife. I know she will be dearly missed.
My love to all of you,
Lynda Brierley Lipke
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother led a beautiful, inspiring life. I can see her strength and values reflected in your family. Peace be with you.
My love and prayers go out to all of you. I loved getting to know Fran while we were living on the beach. The sea glass nativity that she made for me is a precious reminder of her talent, love for Jesus, and love for others. I will cherish it always.
Fran was a beautiful shining light to those around her. She was a genuine reflection of God’s love, grace and compassion. Her loving heart was reflected in her kind words, and thoughtful acts. I cherish the little time that I had with her. What a true example of God’s love for all creation. Fran, thank you for your kindness and showing us God’s grace.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Did not know her long but she was cherished by all who knew her.Rest in peace.
Craig – so incredibly sorry for your loss. Fran was an awesome lady. Will always remember her kindness.
Tia O’Neal
To all her family and friends, I share in your grief. Of course not as profoundly as you who knew her best and longest but in a deep understanding of this kind of loss. I hope that knowing you are all being thought of with love in this sad time will help you move through it with grace and strength.
Maria
Craig,
I am so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. She was such a loving, talented, giving person. I had just been thinking about you two a few days ago. Wondering why I hadn’t seen you in a while and hoping all was well.
I would attend the service today but I’m just getting over the flu. She was an amazing person and will be missed.
Love, Sherrie Lemnios
Condolences to the Baum and Mahler families.
Dear Mr. Craig, Debi and Family,
My deepest condolences!! I have you in my thoughts and prayers🙏
Mrs. Fran was a very special woman. She made me feel like I was with a friend from the very first time I met her, even though I’m sure she couldn’t understand my broken English. Later on after Mrs Fran got used to my accent, she took over the role of e therapist with me ( she knew I needed one but couldn’t afford it), and she made me feel comfortable to talk about things I couldn’t talk with anyone else:) I’m sure she is smiling as she sees me writing this:)
Love you Mrs Fran, and will always miss you.
Thank you for your time, love, and wonderful memories 🙏💟☮️