BISHOP WILLIE LEE PEEBLES

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend

 

Natural Journey

Willie Lee Peebles, 94, passed away April 11, 2024. Willie was born in Utah, Alabama, on October 25, 1929, to John Wesley and Sarah Powell.

Willie attended High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a trusted employee at a major department store. Willie was also an inspiring artist, singer, and musician. Everywhere he went, he carried his wooden acoustic guitar and performed for a living wage. One day, while enjoying a movie with his friend Andrew Barksdale, Willie was mesmerized by a beautiful young lady named Helen who happened to be Andrew’s younger sister. Helen captured Willie’s heart and it was love at first sight. In 1948, after a short courtship and gaining the trust of their parents, Willie married his first and only true love, Helen Barksdale. After their first four children were born, Willie and Helen decided they wanted a safe life for their children, a life without facing daily discrimination, fear, and racism in Alabama during that era. They wanted to provide greater opportunities for their family, therefore in 1956, they moved to "The Big Apple"- New York City!

Moving to New York, Willie had big dreams of becoming a famous rock-n-roll singer. His sweet & smooth baritone voice gained a spot as one of the lead singers of the Sparks of Rhythm. They were the opening act for The Planters and performed at the Cotton Club in Harlem and The Baby Grand Night Club in Brooklyn. Willie thought he was going to paint the town and become a star but God...! Willie was a realist and as his family was quickly growing, he knew that he had to make some career changes. Willie and Helen had sixteen wonderful talented children: ten boys and six girls. Willie was a man with many talents and held many jobs providing for his family. Ultimately, he worked as a truck driver for Tricarico Oil Company for over 30 years. He was hardworking, loyal, trustworthy, and favored by management and coworkers. While at Tricarico, many souls were introduced to the Lord by his witnessing and leading by example according to the word of God (Titus 2:7).

Spiritual Journey

But God…

As mentioned, Willie’s life impacted many souls. It started at the age of thirty, when Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and received the Holy Ghost under the ministry of his Pastor Joshau at 1964 Atlantic Avenue. Willie would often testify about his first experience “the fire of the Holy Ghost dropped down upon him. He saw three fiery circles coming from above. By the time the circles hit his head, he fell out and was never the same.” Willie was under the tutelage of AA Allen, in 1959. He became chairman deacon and an ordained minister under Pastor AG.

In 1972 he moved on in ministry with Bishop Amos from New Deal Holiness Church where he traveled and fellowshipped at multiple conferences in the Southern Region. Thereafter, while being faithful under leadership, the Lord elevated his ministry in 1973, he was inspired and was called to start his own ministry. He prayed with his mentor Prophetess Dukes and by the unction of the Holy Ghost he branched out and heard the voice of the Lord who said “this church shall be named The Glorious Church of God in Christ Jesus” while at 1541 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Pastor Peebles, along with the first lady Shepherd Mother Peebles, appreciated the following faithful members who helped him build the ministry: his first members were: Minister and Sister Gilcrest, Sis. A. Bams, Sis. T. Williams, Sis. E. Massenburg, and Elder & Mother Wright, just to name a few. Throughout his spiritual journey and with prayers and fasting; souls came to Christ, many families restored, people were healed, and miracles, signs and wonders followed. As a result, and against all odds, Pastor Peebles sought a new space at 2729 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

As the vision expanded, elevation took place, Pastor Peebles was ordained to Bishop Peebles in the Lord’s church. Under his leadership, gifts were recognized, and individuals were elevated as Deacons, Ministers, Elders, Pastors, and Prophets. Throughout the years, members were blessed by his inspiring sermons. Some of his memorable sermons were entitled: More than a Conqueror, I Think Myself Happy, Shake It Off, God Will Provide Himself a Lamb, and You of Age, and You Can Speak for Yourself.  His favorite songs were: One More Time, If God Is Dead, and Stand by Me

Outcome

During his latter years and after much prayer, Bishop Peebles appointed his eldest son Overseer, Apostle Frank Peebles and his daughter, Helen Johnson, Pastor of the Glorious Church of God in Christ Jesus. Under his guidance, he knew he made the right decision on his appointment and his legacy continues as the dedication and love of the Glorious Church family stands strong.  

Bishop Willie Lee Peebles had a full life, naturally and spiritually. Even in his last days, he prayed for caretakers at the Phoenix Rehabilitation Center who often said, “they have never seen a man such as this.” Their lives will never be the same. Willie kept his promise to his wife and stood in the gap, he held on until the very end. “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant!”

Preceding his death are his beloved wife, Helen Peebles, his children Cleveland, Sarah, Perry, Calvin, Willie Andrew, and John Isaiah, his mother, Sarah, his brother Leslie, and his daughter-in-law Cheyenne.

Willie leaves to mourn his children Frank, Jerry, Helen Marie, James, Earline, Ricky, Anthony, Teletha, Tonya, and Michelle; his loving daughters-in-law Judy and LaShonne; his devoted sons-in-law Bobby, Karim, Kenneth, and Morris; 110 grandchildren (consisting of THREE GENERATIONS!!!), his brother Johnny, a host of nieces and nephews and his faithful Glorious Church Family.

Willie Peebles

My work down here is finally done

But joy and peace has just begun

The loves of my life I will finally see

And we will walk through eternity

Jesus, Helen, and Me.

 

 

His legacy will live in all of us.

Willie Peebles, we will miss you dearly.

 

Willie's Favorite Scripture – Psalm 91:1-2

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.