Peggy Jacques, MS, RN

Peggy Jacques, MS, RN

Founder and Executive Director

Peggy is a Registered Nurse currently working full time at OSF Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic as a Diabetes Resource Educator. Peggy has her Masters Degree in Community Health Nursing and a certificate in Gerontology Health Care. Peggy has worked in multiple health care settings from intensive care, public health, outpatient clinics, education, and administration. In this current phase of her career, Peggy is determined to establish the Graceland Center as a legacy of health and wellbeing for older adults in the Peoria area. She lives in Peoria with her husband Renaldo and they are the parents of three adult children.

Cindy Johnson

Cindy Johnson

Chairperson

Cindy was born and raised in Peoria, and she is the oldest of three. She graduated from Peoria High School and has worked at one of the local nursing homes. She graduated from ICC with a certificate in Medical Office Assisting, working at Unity Point for 25 plus years. She recently retired from OSF HealthCare where she was a Project Assistant in Nursing Administration. She and her husband have been married for 45 years with two adult children and one grandson. Cindy decided to become a member of Graceland after being a caregiver for your mom in her later years. Aging is part of life and is a process. Having someone to reach out to is comforting and gives you some peace. Cindy enjoys sharing with others what she knows and has learned to help them in their caregiver role. Cindy looks forward to working with the Graceland board and others so we can have purposeful aging.

Felisa Durr

Felisa Durr

Vice Board Chair

Felisa was born and raised in Madison, Alabama, a suburb of Huntsville, AL. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, with a minor in Computer Science at Alabama A & M University (AAMU) and a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Phoenix Online. She is the mother of two successful sons David and Cameron, who are also AAMU graduates. In June 2023, Felisa became the new President/CEO of the Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League.

Felisa has experience with Caterpillar as a Robotics Engineer and Global Purchasing Buyer Manager, served as the Executive Director of the Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CICBVI) and brought national attention to the center as the owner of the original white cane invented in Peoria, IL. She developed multiple programs for the Minority Business Development Center. She enjoys multiple hobbies. Felisa is known for the good work she has been doing in the community for 33 years.

Nancy Bailey

Nancy Bailey

Treasurer

Nancy is a registered nurse who has been an educator at Saint Francis College of Nursing since 1992. Prior to her employment at the College, she worked in public health nursing at Tazewell County Health Department. Her specialty is community health nursing and she has been teaching in this area since her employment at the College. Nancy received a master’s degree from University of Illinois at Chicago in community health nursing and a doctorate of nursing practice from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. She has provided preventive nursing care to older adults in the home and educated nursing students on the care of older adults for many years. Nancy has worked to advocate for the prevention of opioid overdoses in the local community by providing education to social service agencies on the administration of Naloxone. She has also been a member of the Peoria Drug Prevention Coalition. Nancy lives in north Peoria.

Laura Rose

Laura Rose

Secretary

Laura Rose is a dedicated healthcare leader with a strong commitment to clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and compassionate patient care. As Director of Nursing at Carle Health she oversees Inpatient Services at Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Critical Care at Carle Methodist Hospital along with oversight of Nursing Operations. Laura brings a strategic and collaborative approach to managing complex healthcare environments. Laura obtained her Bachelor's degree from Bradley University and continued her education obtaining a Master's degree in Business Administration from Benedictine University. 

With a proven track record of driving quality improvement initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, and supporting nursing leadership, Laura plays a pivotal role in aligning clinical operations with organizational goals. She is known for her ability to navigate change, mentor emerging leaders, and champion patient-centered care across diverse teams.

Laura resides in Washington with her husband Michael and are the proud parents of two wonderful children.