Mrs. Datikka "Tikka" Tennell Peebles

Mrs. Datikka Tennell Peebles, 46, of Edwards, IL transitioned to her heavenly home at 11:44 pm on Monday, August 25, 2025 at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center. Datikka, affectionately known as Tikka, was born on July 12, 1979, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the union of Thertha Holt and Dennis Thomas. From a young age, Tikka’s loyalty and dedication were evident. As the eldest granddaughter of Leona Edison and daughter of Thertha, she was fiercely protective of her cousins and her younger brother, Rodney Holt II, who preceded her in death. This unwavering commitment to her family defined her character throughout her lifetime. Tikka accepted Christ early on and was baptized at Liberty Baptist Church. As a child, she loved to dance, cook, and was an avid reader, often finishing four novels a week. Tikka attended Riverview Gardens High School and was admired by friends and family for her beauty, style, wit, and humor. Known for her straightforward nature, she always stood up for what was right, gave generously, and was a fierce advocate for others. Her passion for learning led her to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she graduated on May 7, 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Management Information Systems. Tikka’s love for technology led her to a successful career as a Business Analyst at Dell Computers until her passing. At Dell she was an influential leader, she was part of Dell’s Graduating Aspiring Leadership Program and serving as a co-lead for the Black Networking Alliance Community Service Pillar. In 2018 Tikka and her husband also began a successful real estate investment business, a new passion that allowed her to build a legacy for her family. On August 19, 2010, Tikka's greatest joy arrived with the birth of her son, Jeremiah "JP" Alexander Peebles. She poured her heart and soul into raising him to be a strong Black man and instilling a core foundation of excellence. She kept him busy by enrolling him in sports, clubs, and community service. On March 1, 2017, Tikka married her beloved husband, Jason Peebles. They moved to Peoria, Illinois, later that year. Although she was initially reluctant to leave her home, Tikka thrived in building a new life for her family. She continued to support Jeremiah and was a dedicated presence in his school, serving on committees for the Dunlap Grade School Parents Club and Dunlap Valley Middle School Parents Club. A Life of Service and Civic Engagement Tikka’s commitment to her community was truly remarkable. She was a pillar in Peoria, actively involved in countless organizations. She believed in surrounding herself with like-minded people who were compassionate and dedicated to service. She was a proud member of the Peoria Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served on the Emergency Response Team, Program Planning and Development, National Panhellenic Liaison and was a co-chair for multiple fundraising efforts. She also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star Silver Star Chapter #74, serving as Sunshine Committee Chair , on the Education & Scholarship Committee, and Community Service committee. Her dedication to civic engagement was extensive. As a graduate of the Peoria Civic Leadership Academy, she was a member of the Peoria County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity Committee, where she worked to bridge the digital divide by providing free computer classes and vouchers. She was a Deputy Registrar for the Peoria Election Commission and a member of the League of Women Voters, where she co-led mock elections and registered voters. Datikka was also the Asst. Secretary and Executive Committee member of the NAACP. Tikka also served on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Citizens with Disabilities and volunteered with Unity Point In-School Health Advisory Board as a parent liaison. Tikka was a compassionate mentor to young girls through the Young Lives Mentoring Program and Sunflowers Mentoring Program, where she later served as Board Secretary. She also volunteered with Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) and supported the Dream Center Peoria and It Takes a Village for community events. A dedicated member of her faith, Tikka was active at St. Paul Baptist Church, where she was a greeter, a member of the event planning team for the Marriage and Women’s Ministries, and a lead planner for the Grown-ish Teen Summit. Tikka’s love for books led her to start the “Soulful Readers Book Club for Women of Color,” where she found new friends and sisters. Tikka was a genuinely caring person who loved her family and was deeply committed to improving her community. On August 25, 2025, Tikka was called to serve with the Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven. She was preceded in death by her mother, Thertha Holt; her brother, Rodney Earl Holt, Jr.; and her father, Dennis Thomas. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her grandmother, Leona Edison; her husband, Jason Alexander Peebles; her son, Jeremiah "JP" Alexander Peebles; her aunts, Ozell Leflore and Brenda (Earl) Kerr; her uncles, Arthur Leflore and Charles Wright; her brother, Dennis Echos; her sister, Milka Brooks; her niece, Jordyn Ward; her nephews, Rodney Holt, III, Shawn Wilson, and Bryson; and her cousins, Keva Williams, Michelle (Terris) Rainey, Marlon Nash, and Dural Williams. Tikka’s legacy of service and love touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mrs. Datikka "Tikka" Tennell Peebles

July 12, 1979 - August 25, 2025