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Friends and family of minister Second Lt. Merrie Jessica Peoples joined members of the Collirene community to convey their congratulations for her achievement of earning a second master’s degree in divinity with Magna Cum Laude honors from Ambridge College. 

“Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off,” they said in a media release. “We are honored to celebrate not only your academic success but also your invaluable contributions as a Sunday school teacher at Antioch Baptist Church in Montgomery. Lowndes County (the  Collerine Community) joins us in recognizing your historic milestones as the first Police Officer in the Peoples family and as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.”

According to well-wishers Murry and Lula Mae Peoples, Merrial L. Peoples and Laura Hunter, People’s accomplishments include the following achievements:

* Church Musician (Drummer) in 1987 at St. Paul C.M.E. Church, Gordonville;

* Earning a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Concordia College in Selma; 

* HeadStart Instructor for the Lowndes County Board of Education, 2010-2015; 

* Earning a minister’s license in 2015 at Antioch Baptist Church, Montgomery;

* Completing a master’s degree in 2017 from Amridge College in Montgomery;

* Police Officer with the Montgomery Police Department in 2018;

* Receiving an ordination license from New Liberty Baptist Church in Tyler;

* Serving as senior ministry Sunday school instructor at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery; and

* Earning rank as a Second Lieutenant Army Chaplain for the U.S. Army and Old Bethel Baptist Church, in Tyler in 2023.

“May God continue to guide and bless you as you inspire others through your service and leadership,” loved ones said. “We are incredibly proud of you and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.”