Photo by Jackie Helvey

Like many of our WCHL Hometown Heroes, this week’s hero is known for her humble and understated nature. Florence Peacock has been recognized for her quiet cultural contributions to the Chapel Hill community.

“Florence is special because of her humility and her generosity,” said Nerys Levy, who nominated Peacock. “She has contributed so much to our community quietly … She is constantly looking for people to support and to further in their arts careers.”

A staunch supporter of Carolina Performing Arts, the North Carolina Opera and the North Carolina Symphony, Peacock also takes the time to seek out and support up-and-coming artists who are struggling to get their careers off the ground. Ever a believer in the personal touch, Peacock’s support of the arts begins and ends with consideration for people at all levels of skill and places in their pursuit of the arts.

A music teacher and classically trainer vocalist who studied at Yale, Peacock makes use of her own talents to help others move theirs forward.

“Without her major support … our state and community would be culturally poorer,” said Levy.

Peacock’s support of her community goes beyond cultural contributions, however. She is also involved in Preservation Chapel Hill, an organization that works towards the keeping historical sites and landmarks intact, as well as local anti-hunger organizations and maternity facilities for women in prisons.

Called “wonderful and inspiring” alongside “strong and tough,” Peacock is the sort of person who helps to organize Community Dinner, a local event that reaches across economic, racial, religious, and ethnic divides to bring people together to share a meal. The Community Dinner, now in its twentieth year, makes good on its slogan: “Sit down with a stranger, leave with a friend.”

“She’s very positive, she always looks for the good side of doing something,” said Levy. That positive attitude and her community-based mindset is what makes Florence Peacock our Hometown Hero.