Dr. Devlaming Atwood Peace, Sr. peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on November 3, 2019, with his loving family by his side. Pastor Peace, affectionately known as “Daddy”, “Dad”, “Grand Pops”, “Pops”, “Gramps”, “Father”, “Doc”, “Glad Dad” and “D.A.” was born on January 16, 1939, in Durham, NC. He was raised by the late Mercy Morgan and his mother, the late Nannie Elizabeth Peace Morgan. He is predeceased in death by his brother, Thurman Morgan.

Dr. Peace was a native of Durham, NC, and he was educated in the Durham County School System and graduated from the famed Hillside High School in Durham. Anyone that knew him knew his love for the game of golf. His love for golf began when he worked as a teenage caddy in Durham. But this job was second to his first as a paperboy in Walltown. He began rekindling this love for golf in 1988 and took over the Senior Circuit, winning many trophies and tournaments. In his latter years, he began golfing with Jack’s Boys Senior Golfers, the Wednesday Group. A hammer, a nail and Gorilla glue were his best friends that he used as he was being “Mr. Fix It”. He sometimes created jobs around the house just to keep him busy.  

Helping others was a staple in Dr. Peace’s everyday life. Whether it was taking his grandkids to school and doctor’s appointments, to giving money to single mothers and families for food and utility bills, he found it difficult to see anyone in need and not give. Even if it was a word to lift their spirits, a hug to comfort their souls and a smile to brighten their day, he was there to help other people. He ended many worship services with the saying to his congregation, “it’s just nice to be nice”.

D.A. didn’t just talk about serving, he lived it. He served and showed love to everyone by helping churches and being there for all kinds of community activities. He read to students at schools in our city and he ministered to those in jail, he encouraged those on the corner and he listened to and shared with the homeless…he cared for all no matter the walk of life they chose.

Dr. Peace served a total of 62 years in ministry, and it began one Friday night in 1956 when he planned to go to a party at UNC Chapel Hill. However, he wanted to keep a promise to his mother and stopped by a revival she invited him to. Little did he know, his life would never be the same. He ended up at the altar crying out to God, gave his life to Christ and he was never the same. From this time, he was licensed, ordained, began preaching the Gospel and leaving his mark on the world!!!

Dr. Peace’s advanced academic pursuits were numerous. He earned a Bachelor of Theology, Shaw University Divinity School; Master of Divinity, Union Christian Bible Institute; Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree, Ministry of Salvation Church, San Diego, CA; PhD in Biblical Studies, International Seminary. He also attended the American Bible College; Ministers School at Elon University; Duke University Divinity School; and Howard University Divinity School.

Dr. Peace faithfully served several churches within his 62 years of ministry. He was currently serving as the Senior Pastor and Teacher of Zion Bethel United Church of Christ, Portsmouth, VA, for nearly 40 years. He also pastored at Mt. Calvary Holy Church, Oxford and Mebane, NC; Mt. Zion United Church of Christ, Rockingham, NC and Laodicea United Church of Christ, presently named Macedonia New Life Church, Raleigh, NC. 

Dr. Peace’s community activities, civic involvements and accomplishments are extensive. In 2007, he was one of the recipients of the 11th Annual Implement the King Dream Award. In 2009, he received an award for Outstanding Service as President of the Southside Interdenominational Religious Coalition (SIRC) Award and served a total of 39 years with SIRC. He served as President of Zion Bethel Community Development Corporation; Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee of the Board of Directors, Franklinton Center; Chairman, Eastern Virginia Association Church Development Commission; Member, Civil Service Commission, Portsmouth, VA; President, Black Development Resources, Inc.; Dean and Teaching Professor, Union Christian Bible Institute, Portsmouth; President, Southside Interdenominational Religious Coalition; Clergy Volunteer Leader, Portsmouth General Hospital; Member, Advisory Board of Directors, Salvation Army; Member of the Committee of Management, YMCA; President, Eastern North Carolina Association of Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ; Chairman, Planning Committee, Raleigh North Carolina’s First City-Wide Revival; Chairman, Raleigh-Wake Opportunities Industrialization Center; Member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Election of Clarence Lightner, Raleigh, North Carolina’s first and only African American mayor.

D.A. loved his wife and family and often shared they were his pride and joy. He made sure his wife, Dora, had all of her heart’s desires. He was so proud of each one of his kids. His greatest accomplishment was living a life that lead all of them to Christ. He took joy in knowing they all knew Jesus personally. He gave EVERY ONE in his family a nickname. And if you were around long enough, you got a nickname too. He found this as a way to make each one feel special. He was our confidant, comedian, encourager, philanthropist, taxi, field trip chaperone, second-chance giver, Bible concordance and all-around smooth cool guy. He stood up for us, he stood by us and he will live on as we stand for what we gained through his wisdom, dedication and love to our family. 

Dr. Peace  leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Dora J. Peace; five children Manuel V. Peace (Annette) of Novi, MI; Devlaming A. Peace, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; Christopher O. Peace (Donise) of Clinton, MD; Karone P. Blondin (Weaver) of Belle Isle, FL; and Devese J. Branch (Jonathan) of Portsmouth, VA; nine grandchildren Dezmond Kee (Deirdre), Lauren Cobb (Michael), Terrell Starks (Sierra), Emanuel Peace, Christian Branch, Nigel Branch, Evan Branch, Christopher “CJ” Peace, Dillon Peace; ten great grandchildren Micah Cobb; Michael Cobb; Dylan Echols; Dezmond Kee, Jr.; Dax Kee; King Starks; Assiah Starks; Jalaya Smith;, Jakyren Hunt; Zakayah Hunt; one sister, Mary Jane Washington; one niece, Donja Washington; one godchild Sandra Elliott; his right hand man, Hugo Morrison (Tanika).