Reverend Wesley Peters

Reverend Dr. Wesley Peters, the seventh of eleven children was born to the late Reverend John C. and Essie Sellers Peters in Camden, South Carolina April I9, I934. His journey started in early childhood attending many services in the week, and twice on Sunday if his father was ministering. The foundation being laid he accepted Christ from a young age.

After graduating from Jackson High School, he was drafted into the United States Army. Completing his tour of duty he received an honorable discharge. Moving to Englewood, New Jersey he joined his twin brother Leslie and his brother Ben as successful entrepreneurs in cosmetology. This venture became known as The Peters Brothers.

1962 would become the year where love would bloom, and the fragrance was that of the Purple African Iris. His true love like the African Iris, stands tall, noted for wisdom, and courage. The Iris is the Queen of Flowers in Africa. October 7, I962, he married his African Queen, Alice Ruth Thomas noted for grace and beauty. Together the fragrance of their love drew many to desire the oneness that only marriage brings. The power of this union brought about the adoption of a little girl Tanya, who preceded him in death.

The seed planted from his youth with its deep roots being stirred, he became a member of Community Baptist Church of Love in Patterson, New Jersey, serving as Chairman of the Trustee and Deacon Boards and elected president of Men Together. These positions served as preparation for what was to come not just for him but, for his wife also. As he walked in the Word of Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." As the seed grew so did his appetite for the study of the Word. Enrolling in bible classes in Newark, New Jersey, He was preparing himself. May 11, 2002, he received a Bachelor of Theology, and on October 13, 20I8 his Doctor of Ministry was conferred. As he walked in 2 Timothy 2:I5 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, lightly dividing the word of truth." the Lord was preparing the place where He would use him. As all men are known to God before they are born and is declared in Psalm I39:I5 "My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. "Just as the Lord spoke to Moses to consecrate Aaron and his son. He spoke to Bishop Dr. Fred Lagarde of Patterson New Jersey to ordain Pastor Peters. The work could not commence because Pastor Peters had to be in the right place for the harvest. In all things the Word of the Lord must go before you. It was prophesied to him "to go and spread the Word preparing, equipping, renewing, and strengthening individuals to grow more in God's Word."

After forty years, change had come the vineyard was ready. Leaving New Jersey, the Peters moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they joined their aunt, Mrs. Emma Thomas Burrage at Mount Olive A.M.E. just for a short while. Pastor Peters joined Sandy Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Fred Johnson. Working in the church in various capacities with the ministerial staff, he taught BTU (Baptist Training Union) on Sunday afternoons. He dedicated time to Habitat Houses and ministered to many couples. Pastor Peters served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand for over I0 years. Pastor Peters and his African Queen have traveled the world. Pastor loved to fish and feed the people all the fish he caught. This was one of his favorite hobbies.

Now in the set place and the set time of January 28, 2007, being led by the Spirit of God, Abundant Life Bible Ministries was born. Established on the foundation of Matthew I6 and the revelation of who Jesus is. Upon this foundation, it is Jesus who will build His church, and "... the gates of hell shall not prevail against it..." On June 22, 2024, Pastor with Abundant Life celebrated his retirement from the ministry of seventeen years of active duty raising a church to conform to the image of God. His last message to the church "Use What's in Your Hand" Exodus 4:2-4. He charged us to trust God and to use the gifts that God had given us.

As a general in the Army of His Majesty The Lord, he remained faithful and dedicated to the call with grace, integrity, joy, and strength. September 24, 2024, The Commander in Chief called him for the next tour of duty Eternal Life with the commendation "Well done my good and faithful servant." Welcome into my rest.

He leaves to treasure his memory his adored wife his beloved African Queen Alice Ruth Thomas Peters; nephews, Kenneth Peters of Stockton, California, Willie James (Brenda) Peters of Kennesaw, Georgia, Charles Algerno (Glyniss) Peters of Spartanburg, South Carolina, David A. Peters of Hillsborough, North Carolina, Jance (Flora) Peters of Dayton Ohio, and Arno (Shelia) Peters of New Milford, New Jersey; nieces, Bernice Thomas of Baltimore, Maryland, Betty Ruth Peters of Teaneck, New Jersey, Bridget Artise of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Vivian (Charles) Salmond of Camden, South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Barbara Peters of Salisbury Maryland, and Ahanta Thomas Brown of Wilmington Delaware; godchildren, Alvin Lensey and Robin Lensey; along with a host of grand nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Mt. Olive AME Church.  Interment will follow in Southern Palms Memorial Gardens.  There will be a viewing 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Myrtle Beach Chapel is assisting the Peters Family.

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