Olivia Estes Peele

It is with much love and deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Margaret Olivia Estes Peele, ("Libby"), 82, on July 30, 2025, in Morehead City, North Carolina. Born on September 1, 1942, in Franklinton, North Carolina, Olivia lived a life rich in artistry, elegance, and devotion to her family.

A gifted and visionary artist from a young age, Olivia began her creative journey at just 12 years old by replicating Audubon's iconic North American birds with remarkable precision. Her talent blossomed into a lifelong passion that encompassed painting, sewing, cooking, architectural design, and the curation of exquisite Art Deco and Art Nouveau antiques. Almost entirely self-taught, Olivia's artistry was deeply personal-each brushstroke and design a reflection of her life and all she adored around her.

Olivia graduated as Valedictorian from Campbell College, a testament to her intellect and determination. Her education laid the foundation for a life of learning and exploration. Alongside her beloved husband of sixty-six years, Julian Thomas Peele, Olivia traveled the world with insatiable curiosity and wonder. Their journeys took them through Russia, China, across Europe, and frequently to her cherished New York City. Every destination left its mark on Olivia's canvas-vivid cityscapes rendered in bold lines that captured the authenticity of each place they visited.

Her art was not limited to landscapes, oceanscapes, or nature; her talent was also deeply rooted in family. Olivia's portraits of loved ones were celebrated for their authenticity and sharpness. She found endless inspiration in those closest to her-her "princes," as she lovingly called them-and her home was filled with works that told the story of a beautiful life well-lived.

Olivia was also a champion of her local arts community. She hosted fundraisers at their home in Jacksonville, NC, in support of the North Carolina Symphony, the Onslow County Museum, and the Onslow County Historical Society. She volunteered as an art assistant in her grandsons' schools and generously shared her talents with neighbors on Brookview Drive during their special events. Her presence brought beauty, style, and warmth wherever she went.

She is cherished and lovingly remembered by her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Shannon Peele of Hubert, NC; her grandsons Christopher Peele and his wife Chelsea of Greensboro, NC, and Tom Peele of Hampstead, NC; and her great-granddaughters Margaret Olivia (her namesake) and Hattie Elizabeth of Greensboro, NC. Olivia is also survived by her dearly loved sister Betty Vance Estes Arnold of Franklinton, NC and her nephew Richard Arnold and niece-in-law Deirdre of Chapel Hill, NC, who held a special place in her heart. Olivia will be remembered through her husband's family: brothers-in-law Edward Peele of Jacksonville, NC and Donald Peele (Cathy) of Hillsborough, NC; sisters-in-law Sharon Peele of Jacksonville and Grace Davenport (Paul) of Provo, UT; as well as six nieces and their families.

She will be dearly missed by her many friends at Brookdale Assisted Living in Morehead City.

Olivia was preceded in death by her devoted husband Julian Thomas Peele; her parents Vance and Margaret Estes; parents-in-law Julian and Effie Peele; and brother-in-law Alton Peele.

A true Southern lady in every sense of the word, Olivia journeyed through life with gentle strength, timeless elegance, and an eye for beauty that transformed everything she touched. Her legacy lives on through the breathtaking paintings she depicted, the one of a kind beach cottages she designed, and the lives she enriched through kindness, empathy, and creativity.

Her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her-and through the multitudes and mediums of her art, Olivia leaves behind a part of herself that will never fade away. Margaret Olivia Estes Peele was so loved. A Funeral Service will be held on September 27, 2025, at 02:00 PM at Franklinton Baptist Church 102 W Mason Street, Franklinton, NC.