Ricki Elise Peake

Ricki Elise Peake, 44, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away February 6, 2016 at Providence Hospital Columbia, SC. She was born on August 8, 1971 in Columbia, South Carolina to Marion and Susan Watkins Brown. Elise was a kind and gentle soul. She had a generous heart and was a self-proclaimed rescuer of animals. Elise always had a smile and was not a complainer. She was an amazing artist. She earned a master's degree in Art Education and was a favorite teacher of many at Bethel Hanberry in Blythewood SC. Elise was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and was very proud to be associated with them. Elise had been educating children for over 20 years. She most loved her family. Elise loved being with her husband Mark, whom she has been with for 30 years; and children, Lauren Elise and Sam, whenever she could. Their time together was special and treasured. The last few years, Elise had serious health issues, but she always maintained a positive attitude. She will be missed. Elise is survived by her husband of almost 20, Mark Christopher Peake; Children, Lauren Elise and Sam Peake; her mother, Susan Brown; and a brother Rion Brown. She was preceded in death by her father, Marion Brown; and a sister, Aimee Brown. A celebration of Elise's life will be held in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that memorials be made to the South Carolina Autism Society, 806 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169, or at http://scautism.org/.