Rev. Willie F. Peacock

Life’s Journey

Rev. Willie F. Peacock

To plant a seed in one’s heart to root it in love

To nourish it with time spent together

Yields a blossom that will flourish forever.

On April 7, 1953, in Ruleville, MS, God blessed Hattie Mae Peacock and Willie Frank Peacock, Sr. with a son, Willie Frank Peacock, Jr.  He was the eldest of six children born to his mother.

Affectionately known as “Frank”, he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Jerusalem M.B. church.

Reverend Peacock received his early education in the Sunflower County School District and graduated from Ruleville Central High School in 1972.  He furthered his education at Mississippi Valley State University where he was a proud member of the MVSU Delta Devils Marching Band.  He was very active in college, participating on the basketball team and was a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corp (R.O.T.C.) He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1976 and received a Distinguished Graduate Certificate from the R.O.T.C. which led to his service as a Captain in the United States Air Force.

He taught Sunday School and was appointed as a Deacon at New Jerusalem M.B. Church in 1980. He was called into the Ministry to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1982 where he was ordained and received his license under the leadership of Rev. Carl Jordan, Sr. 

Reverend Peacock and his family, Linda and Trint, moved to Denver, CO in 1986, and he was employed by The Ross Management Group as an Apartment Manager.  He joined Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Wendell T. Liggins and continued under Pastor Frank M. Davis.  He served faithfully as the Youth Minister and became the Children’s Minister for many years.  Frank was a servant leader.  He was the Sunday School Superintendent and served on numerous ministries that included Vacation Bible School, Zion Baptist Church Credit Union Board of Directors, St. Luke 14:21 Homeless Project, coordinated Thanksgiving meals to the homeless and distributed bikes to kids in the community during the Christmas Toy Store drive.

His life’s work and greatest joy was to be an inspiration to youth and make a positive impact in their lives.  He had a heart of gold, always pouring into his family, giving back to the community and helping anyone in need.

Reverend Peacock was extremely proud of the achievements of his daughters, Zipporah Peacock Taylor and Leandra Peacock. He often bragged that Zipporah has her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a MBA and Leandra is a Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree and Post Master’s Certificate. He was “Peacock proud” when he spoke of his girls.

Reverend Peacock united in holy matrimony to America Campbell on April 9, 1994. From this union, he inherited two additional daughters, LaKisya (Kisya) Rooks and LaKristy (Kris) Rooks. Over a 30 year span, the couple built a home on the foundation of God and unselfishly served together at Zion Baptist Church.

This labor of love brought them peace, contentment and a deeper bond that strengthened their marriage.  They were instrumental in sharing the word of God with everyone and everyone could easily see the God in them.  Their home was filled with the love and laughter of their family and friends along with a good game of spades.  Frank will be remembered as a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather.

Reverend Peacock was employed by Rite of Passage as a teacher, counselor, and band instructor for over 20 years.  He started the band program at Ridge View Academy and was named employee of the year in 2007. He enjoyed teaching students how to read music and play various musical instruments.  Because of his love for sports, music and having played in his high school and college band, He enjoyed traveling to SWAC college football games and watching the band’s half-time performances with his brothers.  They shared a healthy camaraderie because three of them attended MVSU and the two youngest attended Alcorn State University.  His sister, Joyce, also attended MVSU but she remained neutral and enjoyed the laughs and trash-talking among her brothers.

Reverend Peacock was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed working around the house, fixing things, painting, yard work, and anything to keep himself busy.  He was instrumental in planning his 50th High School reunion in 2022.

On Thursday, September 7, 2023, God called his servant from Labor to Reward.  Reverend Peacock celebrated his 70th birthday on April 7th, receiving the promise of threescore and ten as quoted in Psalm 90:10.

Reverend Peacock’s  favorite song was “Amazing Grace” and his favorite scripture was “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hattie Mae Peacock and Willie Frank Peacock, Sr. and one brother, Larry.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his loving wife, America; daughters, Zipporah and Leandra of Dallas, TX, LaKisya of Upper Marlboro, MD, and LaKristy of Aurora, CO; son, Trintus of Gilbert, Arizona; sisters: Joyce of Ruleville, MS, and Vita of Cleveland, OH; brothers, Lester (Barbara) of Ruleville, MS, Lorenzo of Vicksburg, MS, and Michael (Thesia) of Aurora, CO; grandchildren, Kyron, Azariah, Tevin and Tyler, Antonia and Ke’Shawn; great-grandson, Kharter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

Rev. Peacock was beloved by his Zion Baptist Church family, neighbors, and friends in his hometown of Ruleville, MS.  This man of God left an indelible imprint on the hearts of many and will truly be missed.