The estate of longtime philanthropists Henry “Saf” and Florence Elizabeth “Betty” Funk Peacock donated $1 million to the Lincoln Memorial Foundation, a culmination of decades of support of Lincoln Memorial Hospital (LMH) during their 67 years of marriage.
Dolan Dalpoas, president and CEO of LMH, remembers the couple as kind people and generous donors, dating back to their first gift to the hospital of $4,000 in 1961. He appreciates the relationship between the Peacock family and LMH, especially as the foundation board of directors begins to determine where best to utilize the million-dollar gift.
“Lincoln Memorial Hospital exists for one reason – to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health. This extraordinary gift will help fulfill that mission for generations to come,” Dalpoas said. “It is humbling to be remembered by the Henry Safford Peacock estate, and we will do our best to honor Saf and Betty through our efforts.”
James “Hunter” Peacock and his younger sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Peacock Moss grew up watching their parents give back. The Peacocks were intentional about how they chose organizations to give to and focused in on three areas they particularly cared about: conservation, education and healthcare.
“They wanted to spread their philanthropy out locally, regionally and nationally, but they always wanted to do their due diligence in determining where best to give,” Hunter Peacock said. “They always wanted to be sensitive to the needs of the hospital or clinic.”
When the current hospital was being built on Stahlhut Drive, Betty Peacock chose to help fund a therapy swimming pool for the rehabilitation department. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and wanted people to have an alternative exercise option that was easier on the joints. The couple also funded nursing and physician scholarships at Mayo Clinic, where they received care.
Betty Peacock passed away in 2021, and Saf Peacock died in 2023, but their legacy continues to help people, especially those in the Lincoln area and beyond.