Grace Baker Peyton

Grace Baker Peyton, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Leesburg, Virginia after a short illness. Grace was born on May 30, 1931, in Kenansville, North Carolina, to Brantley and Katie Baker. Grace's name captured her persona. She was a person of deep Christian faith who lived to serve God in all aspects of her life. Grace grew up in Eastern North Carolina and was the first in her family to attend college. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She earned her Master's Degree at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. After college, Grace moved to Western North Carolina (Asheville) to begin her teaching career. She taught at the college that became UNC-Asheville. She had departed Eastern North Carolina to escape the heat of what was, at the time, tobacco country. She met her future husband, William Madison Peyton, on a double date. Once she married William, Grace began teaching on a part-time basis, primarily at community colleges. She and William had 3 children. In addition to living in Asheville, North Carolina, Grace, and William resided in Glen Ellyn, Illinois during the period 1977 - 1988. They then returned to the Asheville area. Grace and William were active in their communities, including with the Junior Chamber of Commerce/Jaycettes and Episcopal parishes including All Souls Church (Asheville), St. Mark's Church (Glen Ellyn), and Trinity Church (Asheville.) Grace was also deeply involved in the schools and activities of her children. Very active in volunteer work throughout her adult life, Grace held numerous Board-level positions with religious and service organizations. Grace was President of the Pisgah Girl Scout Council and was the National Treasurer of The Daughters of the King. For a period of time in the late 1970s, Grace worked in Marketing and Public Relations in a full-time, paid position with the Girl Scouts of America. After William passed away in 1992, Grace devoted herself to community service and to her role as Grandmother. In 2003, she relocated from Asheville to Potomac Falls, Virginia, in order to be closer to her children and their growing families. At that time, she moved to Falcons Landing, an independent-living senior community. At Falcons Landing, Grace was well-known for organizing social events and welcoming new residents. She loved playing bridge and had many friends. Additionally, she served in Altar Guild at her Episcopal parish in Virginia and at the Chapel at Falcons Landing. During the covid lockdowns (2020 - 2021), Grace used her time alone productively to become an accomplished autobiographical writer. She wrote 25 beautiful autobiographical chapters which included a series on her life during the Depression era and on her experience living on a farm in the 1930s and 1940s. These beautiful words will serve as a comfort to her family, a historical record, and a testament to her life and legacy. Grace is survived by her loving children, Kathryn Louise Peyton (Tyler Brown), Leslie Peyton Gordon (Bart Gordon), and William Madison Peyton, Jr. as well as six grandchildren, ages 19-30.

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Grace Baker Peyton

May 30, 1931 - May 21, 2023