Samuel Lee Peoples

On Tuesday morning, September 7, 2022, God called our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Samuel Lee Peoples to his eternal rest. Sam was born January 18th 1943 to the late Allie Peoples, Sr., and Sarah Jones Peoples in Norfolk County (Saint Mount Clair), Virginia. Sam was a 1961 graduate of Crestwood High School where he played football and sang in the school choir. After graduation, he enrolled at Norfolk State University and graduated with a degree in Political Science. His passion for the advancement of people, led him to employment with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). During his employment there, a time came when our country needed him; Sam took a two-year leave of absence and joined the military. Now a veteran, at twenty-seven years old, he became the youngest VEC Manager in the state. In 1995, after thirty years of service, he retired from the VEC. In retirement, he worked at Dilliards and at Green Thumb, where he took pride in assisting seniors in finding rewarding employment. Sam proved himself to be an exceptional leader in all areas of his life. Sam accepted Jesus Christ at an early age of his life. It was common for Sam to be attracted to ministries that fostered leadership. He was led to Grove Baptist Church, New Light Baptist Church, Revelation Tabernacle and New Life Church. Each ministry was a benefactor of his profound spiritual gifts. As a servant-leader, he valued people and had a passion to see them flourish. A master teacher, his lessons encouraged critical thought and intellectual depth. Sam was a committed family-oriented person and was immensely proud of his entire family. He will be known for his humor, wit, compassion and his amazing tenor voice. Sam was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his legacy his loving and devoted wife of fifty-six years, Esther Boyd Peoples; his son, Brian Peoples (Alicia); two loving grandsons, Darren E. Peoples (Germa’Na’) and Christopher J. Peoples; and a great grandson, Zurrich Peoples. In 2021 through Brian’s marriage to Alicia, Sam gained a granddaughter Aaliyah Phillips and great grandchildren Yani and Yuri Phillips. Sam also leaves behind his grand pup Columbo who brought him immense comfort and joy. Sam leaves one brother, Allie Peoples, Jr; one sister, Marion Peoples Sykes (Harry); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is predeceased by five siblings: Norman Peoples, Emma Copeland, Mamie Lee Peoples-Taylor, Vernelle Peoples and Sarah Peoples-Copeland.

Samuel Lee Peoples

January 18, 1943 - September 7, 2022