Hundreds pay their respects to Lexington pastor, civil rights leader

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A packed house paid its respects to the longtime pastor of historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, the Reverend Doctor Thomas Howard Peoples, or T.H. as he was affectionately known.

“He always believed in family,” said an emotional Thomas H. Peoples III, T.H.’s son.

Lexington’s first African-American chief of police, Anthany Beatty, talked about Beatty’s service to Lexington.

“He called us out, but he called God in when he protested racial inequities in the Fayette County Public School system… You see, but for the struggles and sacrifices of people like Dr. Peoples, there would not be opportunities for African American kids from the housing projects of Blue Grass Aspendale, to become chiefs of police in Lexington, Kentucky.,” said Beatty.

Public servants like Mayor Linda Gorton, State Senator Reggie Thomas and State Representative George Brown also talked about Peoples’ legacy.

Peoples’ family gave everyone an inside look at the man outside the public’s eye.

“Not a day went by that my brother and I didn’t speak at least twice a day. He was usually the first call I’d receive in the morning and the last call I’d receive at night. I miss that already,” said Charlie P. Brown, Peoples’ sister.

Peoples’ widow made sure everyone knew the appreciation they have for everyone honoring his life.

“You have walked with us, you’ve encouraged us, you’ve kept us focused, you’ve been there in hard times and in good times. We’ve been on a good journey,” said Dr. Delma Peoples.