Quintissa Sherri Peake

Quintissa Sherri Peake was born on February 19, 1981, in Wise, Virginia to her parents Steve and Rosa Peake. Quintissa passed from this life to her eternal home on August 15, 2025 at the age of 44 years old at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Quintissa attended McRoberts Elementary School and completed middle & high school at Jenkins High in Jenkins, KYY graduating with honors. She attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with a degree in Telecommunications. Quintissa was a member of many student organizations while at UK such as the National Society of Black Engineers and she received numerous awards and recognitions such as Lyman T. Johnson "Torch of Excellence Award". Additionally, Quintissa served a term as president of the UK Alumni Association.

Quintissa was born with sickle cell anemia and battled it with grace. She was an avid advocate for herself and others with this disease dedicating her life as a community health worker, patient advocate & advisor, as well as a health educator. When given the opportunity, Quintissa spoke about the importance of blood donation to any available audience. Though she recieved over 500 units of blood during her life, Quintissa never stopped doing what she was passionate about. She was steadfast in the sickle cell community traveling to speak, educate, and share her experiences. At the same time, she found joy in the simple pleasure of being at home in the mountains and serving as an inspiration across the state.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James & Beatrice Osley, and paternal grandparents, Clarence & Joyce Peake; three aunts, Patricia Clark, Susie Gray, and Janice Bates; five uncles, Jonny Osley, Clarence Peake, Gary Peake, William Osley, & James Osley Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved parents, Steve & Rosa Peake, two sisters, Latesha Osley & Kaitlyn Peake; three nieces, Sienna, Kynedi, Alyvia, and one nephew, Stephen. Quintissa is also survived by many member of her extended family including paternal aunts, Cardell Peake, Marian Peake, & Edith Rogers; maternal aunts, Mary Thomas, Flora Copeland, Jackie Johnson, Shirley Gray, Anna Price, Comelia Combs, Sabrina Pinkston, Doretha Harris, Katrina Osley, Juanita Roper, and a host of cousins, extended family members, and friends who were like family.

While Quintissa is known for her sincere love and adoration of every member of her family, she is best known for her love of God, her faith, and her unwavering relationship with Jesus. She was a baptized believer and her faith influenced every aspect of her life including how she honored her family and served others. Quintissa volunteered relentlessly in her local and regional communities. She served with the Kentucky Blood Center where she previously worked and later volunteered as an ambassador for the agency and those with blood diseases like sickle cell. Quintissa advocated for blood donation and was a champion for those in need of blood. In addition, she volunteered as a member of the board of directors for the Appalshop, Cowan Community Center, and Hemphill Community Center.

While studying at University of Kentucky, Quintissa was a member of many organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Union, Summit Newspaper, and others. During her tenure at UK, Quintissa was the recipient of many awards and honors including the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award and a host of scholarships. Quintissa's career focused on her passion and advocacy for others with her last employment being with Rural Strategies of Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Quintissa's leadership and championing of causes such as inclusion, diversity, and education earned her recognition this year by the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation's Carolyn Sunday Award. Although Quintissa is no longer physically with us, we are certain that her legacy will continue to live on in every drop of blood she championed and in every heart of those who are impacted by her relentless advocacy and service.

Funeral: 1:00 O'clock P.M. Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the New Freedom Worship with Doctor Ayanna Peake officiating. Visitation: 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the New Freedom Worship. Burial will follow in the Green Acres Cemetery at Ermine, Kentucky.