Dr. LeeAnn Peabody Taggart

Dr. LeeAnn Peabody Taggart
GREENVILLE - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. LeeAnn Peabody Taggart, 69, on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Greenville, North Carolina. A beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, LeeAnn leaves behind a legacy of compassion, intellect, and unwavering devotion to both her family and community. We all wish we had had more time with her - and yet, we know she lived her years to the fullest.
Born on February 25, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, LeeAnn spent her formative years in the Midwest before pursuing her education at Wells College, Cornell University and received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. She then made Greenville her home for most of her adult life. She dedicated her career to serving others through her private practice at Norwich Therapy Associates, her work with the Pitt County prison system (Maury Correctional Institution) and as Director of Psychology at the Cherry Psychiatric Hospital. She also shared her knowledge as a lecturer at East Carolina University and Pitt Community College, where she inspired countless students with her insight and empathy.
LeeAnn was an intellectual marvel, an ambitious force of social activism and allyship to marginalized communities. An instant friend and contagious source of witty humor, LeeAnn was a safe refuge to anyone in her company. Whether offering professional guidance or simply sharing a laugh over coffee, her presence was magnetic; she made anyone and everyone feel seen, heard and supported.
A woman of many interests and talents, LeeAnn was a voracious reader, an accomplished classical musician and animal lover. She found joy in competing as an English equestrian in her youth, and also enjoyed training coonhounds. Her Lake Glenwood English Coonhounds won many competitions. Along with her many hobbies and accolades, she remained curious, always open and excited to be a student of something new. On the other hand, in her downtime, LeeAnn could just as easily be found snuggling with a furbaby and a book in her favorite armchair.
Despite her many accomplishments and commitments, LeeAnn's heart belonged first and foremost to her family. Her marriage to Mark Taggart was a beacon, a model of equal, collaborative and complimentary companionship that inspired all who knew them. That love was a foundation for the upbringing of their pride and joy - their son, Karl. His insightful and compassionate nature is both a reflection of his own spirit and a testament to the nurturing environment in which he was raised. And though she lived a few states away from most of her extended family, LeeAnn never failed to show up when it mattered most. Her family cherished her wisdom, warmth and authenticity, qualities which have and continue to inspire all of us to grow by her example.
As much as we wish we had had more time with LeeAnn, we hold such admiration, pride and gratitude for the impact she has left on the hearts of so many. We celebrate her life and will carry her memory as a source of inspiration and comfort.
LeeAnn was preceded in death by her sister Ann and by her parents Phyllis and Arthur Peabody. She is survived by her husband Mark; son Karl; sisters Amy Carr (Terry) and Sarah Peabody Nelson; nephew Noah Nelson (Molly Butler); nieces Madeline Carr, Caitlin Carr (Ryan Earle), and Elisabeth Carr; mother-in-law, Betty; sisters-in-law Sandy Anderson (Warren) and Cindy Rodeheaver (Reed); niece Jenna; nephews Benjamin, Talmadge, Travis and Tyler.
Funeral arrangements are to be announced at a later date by Wilkerson's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/donate/make-gift