November 15, 2024, 85, Goldsboro —
Pastor Paul Franklin Peoples, a devoted man of faith and a proud veteran, was born on November 11, 1939, in Lorain, Ohio, to the late Franklin Peoples and Alberta Hodge. On Friday, November 15, 2024, he was called home to receive his robe and crown.
Paul served his country with honor and distinction in both the United States Air Force and the United States Marines, including a tour in Vietnam. During his military career, he earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Paul retired with an honorable discharge in 1978 after a remarkable military career.
Following his military service, Paul continued to serve others as a contractor with Lockheed Martin in London, England, where he also answered the call to ministry. He pastored faithfully while in England, sharing God’s word and providing spiritual leadership. In 2003, Paul retired and settled in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he continued to bless those around him with his wisdom, humility, and compassion, becoming an active and beloved member of The Lord’s Table Church. As an associate pastor, Paul was faithfully in attendance, teaching Bible study and preaching the word whenever called upon.
Known for his sweet tooth and love of different foods, Paul brought joy and laughter to those around him. Paul was known as Papa, Grandpa, Granddad, Baby Franklin, and Papa Smurf. His playful nicknames and genuine warmth reflected the deep bonds he shared with his family and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Hodge; his father, Franklin Peoples; his daughter, Myra Helm; his granddaughter, Turquois Helm; and his siblings, Helen Henderson, John Henry Hopewell, Betty Johnson, Lafayette (Nick) Peoples, Irene Kidd, Alberta Peoples, and David Peoples; and his brothers in law, Johnny Lewis and Floyd Lewis.
Pastor Peoples’ legacy is one of love, laughter, and service—to God, his country, and his community.
He leaves to cherish precious memories: his wife, Willie Vera Peoples of Goldsboro, NC; his daughter, Hope (Dicarlo) Ford of Goldsboro, NC; four grandchildren, Brittany (Ryan) Pranther of Raleigh, NC, Bria Lashawn Wills of Goldsboro, NC, Ayannah Ford of Goldsboro, NC, Robby (Stephanie) Helm, Jr. of Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren, Lathan Pranther and Locklan Pranther both of Raleigh, NC; three sisters, Lucy Peoples of New Jersey, Jackie Peoples of Michigan, Glenda Peoples-Martin of Ohio; eight sisters-in-law, Sally Peoples of Ohio, Bertha (Alvin) Johnson of Goldsboro, NC, Bessie (Charles) Jackson of Goldsboro, NC, Nancy Brooks of Goldsboro, NC, Beatrice (Charles) Gills of Goldsboro, NC, Sarah Armstrong of Maryland, Rita (Bobby) Sims of Maryland, and Ella Lewis of Goldsboro, NC; two brothers-in-law; James Lewis Sr of Goldsboro, NC, Thaddeus “Tic” (Ernestine) Lewis of Goldsboro, five spiritual children, Latasha Russell of Goldsboro, NC, Nevaeh Russell of Goldsboro, NC, Kim Bolden of Maryland, Reginald and Georgia Cummings of Goldsboro, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
