On November 30, 2018, the Psi Alpha Alpha (PsiAA) chapter honored the life and conducted the memorial service for one of its own Charter members Brother John L. Peoples Jr. was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at South Carolina State College (Now University) (Xi Psi Chapter) on December 11, 1953. Brother Peoples served his church, family, fraternity, and community with excellence in the true Omega spirit. The PsiAA chapter recognized brother Peoples for 65 years of service on November 17, 2018. Bro. Peoples was a proud member of 13 friends with aspirations and the perseverance that lead to great PsiAA chapter being chartered on December 26, 1980. In January 1981, he was elected to the position of the chapter’s first Keeper of Records and Seal. Bro. Peoples was a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Bro. Peoples’ towering legacy will endure for as long as there is a PsiAA Chapter. He was a leader, teacher, mentor, and exemplar 24/7.
Bro. Peoples was a high school teacher until he was received orders to active military duty in June 1957. He served continuously on active duty in the Army for over 26 years until he retired in November 1983 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Peoples’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, Army Reserve Ribbon, and German Air Force Gold Badge.
The passion he served with in the Army, carried over to the activities he pursued as a civilian. He worked for Scientific Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for over fifteen years. He served as the treasurer on the Howard County Executive Council with Vernon Gray. He chaired the Thunder Hill Elementary Student Improvement Team where he established communication and liaison teams between parents, grandparents, students and teachers to improve academic excellence at the elementary school level. An avid educator, he taught in the Howard County School System. He chaired the Howard County Liquor Board and was a Certified Notary Public for the State of Maryland, Howard County.
He was a loving son, husband, father, granddad, brother and friend and will be deeply missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Delores A. Peoples of Columbia, MD; four adult children, Gerald K. Peoples of San Diego, CA, Carmen P. Peoples of Severn, MD, Dr. Alden G. Peoples of Baltimore, MD and Michelle P. Simpson of Hanover, MD., a brother, Rev Henry B. Peoples (Beatrice), two sisters, Patricia Solomon and Nora B. Green, an Aunt, Rachael Allen, and a host of other relatives and friends.