Heath & Vaughn Funeral Directors, Champaign, Illinois

Bishop Dr. Sherman L. Peppers Sr., of Champaign, died at 5

p.m., Saturday, (Oct. 25, 2008), at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at St. Luke C.M.E. Church, 809 N. Fifth St., Champaign. Bishop James H. Feltus Jr., International Presiding Senior Bishop of Church of God In Christ United, will officiate. Burial will be at Danville National Cemetery, Danville.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign.

Sherman was born on April 17in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Sherman Leon Peppers and Alma Bates. Sherman married Mary Jo (Shumpert) Peppers on February 3, 1967. She preceded him in death on Oct. 3, 1992.

He is survived by his sons, S. Lemond Peppers II and Edward JoVell Peppers, both of Champaign, 1 sister, Jacqueline Batts of Bakersfield, CA; 3 brothers, Leroy Dailey Jr., of Sacramento, CA, Anthony Dailey of Wichita, KS and Garland Taylor of Decatur, IL; 4 grandchildren and host of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by both parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

Sherman was a retired MTD driver of over 25 years, where he diligently and warmly greeted and transported many within the Champaign-Urbana community. Sherman was called into the ministry in 1972 and co-pastored and pastored many churches in and outside of the Church of God in Christ United connection. Prior to his decline in health, Sherman was a former member of the Ministerial Alliance of Champaign-Urbana. Sherman was an active member of the National Association of Clergy and often donated his time and talents to local church and religious functions.

In preparation for his many spiritual duties, Sherman completed 2-years at Parkland College in religious studies, continuing on at Fisk University in Tennessee. He furthered his spiritual training by completing the Doctoral program within the Feltus Theological Seminary.

Aside from his clerical duties, Sherman enjoyed gospel music, classic western movies, but most of all his family to whom he leaves to cherish.

Memorials may be made to the Seeds of Sherman Peppers Scholarship Fund at First Federal Savings and Loan Bank of Champaign, being dedicated to further the education of Sherman’s grandchildren.

Condolences

Hello Peppers Family,

Lemond, I am really thinking of you and your family at this time. I know we don’t see each other very often, but you can always call or drop a note. You have always been a classy person, and I am sure that has a lot to do with your dad. Take care of that beautiful daughter, and I look forward to our paths crossing again.

Sincerely,
R. Jason Wallace

Lemond and family,

I met your mother once (show choir performance at Garden Hills), never met your father or brother. However, please give my sympathy to all your family and friends. I had you as a show choir student only for one year but have superb memories of your skill, maturity and willingness to do anything.

Therefore, I have to assume that your parents were the major influence in your life to make you the kind of person you are. I hope you are doing well and hope your brother is also having a good life. One of my favorite memories of you was before a performance at Round Barn (Christmas time I think). Someone else was supposed to be the “leader, master of ceremony, etc.” and didn’t show up. I saw you walking up the sidewalk outside, went out to you and said, “We have a problem.” With absolutely no hesitation, you said, “What can I do?” Of course, you became master of ceremonies on the spot and did a superb job!

Please know that I think of you and your family often and will pray for you during this difficult time. My husband died last December so I know what an on-going process grieving is. I pray that God gives you strength.

Love,
Carol Williams

Lemond and family,

I just heard about your loss and hope that you please accept these condolences from my heart. Your father was a remarkable person who was always happy to see me and was always supportive of me. I am sorry that I cannot be there with you during this tough time as I was there when your mother passed. I know that a lot of years and miles have separated us, but please remember that you remain in my thoughts. I am certain that you will be strong for your daughter and the rest of your family in this — another test of just how strong a person you are. Please give her a kiss from me.

Sending my deepest condolences for your loss all the way from Colorado,
always,
Mindy Barton

Peppers Family,

We send you our love and sympathy in your time of grievance!
May God wrap you in his wings!

All of our Love and Honor,
Joshua, Shannon, Jordan, Caleb and Jack Williams
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois