Elijah Peals

Rev. Elijah Peals, Jr. May 31, 1947 - April 2, 2014 "Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. To laugh, to love, to work or play, tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day." Rev. Elijah Peals, Jr. was born May 31, 1947 in Brickeys, Arkansas to thel ate Elijah Peals, Sr. and Lela Mae (Miller) Peals. He received Christ as his Personal Savior at an early age while attending Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Johnny Hall in Brickeys, Arkansas. Elijah attended Brickeys Elementary and Anna Strong High School in Arkansas where he became affectionately known throughout the neighborhood and entire community as "E.L.". It was during these years that he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Delia Mary Jean (McCoy) Peals. In 1966, July 10th, E.L. was united in Holy matrimony to Delia and in this same month and year the loving couple relocated to LaPorte, Indiana. To this union two (2) children were born (a daughter and a son). Upon their arrival to LaPorte, E.L. soon found employment with American Metal Company. He was also a dedicated employee of Allis Chalmers, Clark Equipment and WireKraft, Inc., respectively, until the closing of each business. He then joined the workforce of Aero Metals until retirement in 2002. He accepted his calling in the gospel ministry in 1993. He served faithfully and was ordained in July, 1998 by Rev. B.J. Ashley at Macedonia M.B. Church in Michigan City, IN. In November, 1998, E.L. accepted Pastoral duties of New Testment of Faith Baptist Church located at 1662 Milton Street in Benton Harbor, MI. Because of his works for God, He has now become affectionately known throughout the neighborhood, community, and surrounding areas as Pastor Peals. As stated: Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you. Like Nehemiah, Pastor Peals work remained constant until God released him on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 8:48 pm from the care of physicians and staff of Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. Pastor Peals leaves to cherish his memories; his devoted and loving wife, Delia Peals, Two devoted children, Janice (Leroy) Peals-Taylor, Indianapolis, IN and Michael Anthony Peals, LaPorte, IN; Four grandchildren, Michael Elijah James Oliver, Cambridge, Ontario, Adrianne Nicole White, Springfield, MO, Leroy Lamont and Lauryn Nicole Taylor, Indianapolis, IN; Seven brothers, Robert (Charlene) Peals, Rev. Solomon (Patricia) Peals, LaPorte, IN, Rev. Ray (Olivia) Peals, Jerry Peals, Ricky Peals, David Lee Peals, all of Marianna, AR, Rev. Curtis (Annie) Peals, Temecula, CA; Two sisters, Celia Mae (Frank) Vincent, Little Rock, AR, Lurena Lenear, Jonesboro, AR; Mother-in-law, Daisy McCoy, Marianna, AR; One uncle, Johnny Miller, Forrest City, AR; Three god-children, Ryan Lewis-Nelson, Katrina Jordan and Ty-Shaun Smallwood; four Brothers-in-law, three Sisters-in-law and a hose of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends Friday, April 11, 2014 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A life celebration will be held at Macedonian Missionary Baptist Church, Michigan City, IN on Saturday April 12, 2014 at 11:00 am with Rev. Ray Peals, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Elijah Peals. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elijah Peals please visit our Sympathy Store.