Raymond Martin Peoples

The youngest child, Raymond Martin Peoples was born in Los Angeles, CA on November 2, 1980 to Raymond Charles Peoples and Cecilia Martin Peoples. As her only son, Raymond brought a tremendous amount of joy to his mother. His childhood and upbringing were truly unique. While most children go through stages of speech development, Raymond started speaking full sentences, and reading at the age of three. In fact, the first words that came out of his mouth were while he read a scripture during family worship. With an intense level of imagination, creativity, and curiosity, Raymond chose to read dictionaries and encyclopedias rather than play with toys or climb a tree! Raised in a family who loved sports, Raymond enjoyed basketball and football. He loved the Oakland Raiders, and was elated when, as a little boy, his father introduced him to an Oakland Raiders player, Marcus Allen. Raymond also loved baseball, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. As a young child, it was clear that Raymond had a methodical mind. Because of this, he was always mature beyond his years. Family and friends watched eagerly as Raymond matured, often wondering what he would be when he grew up. While family could never agree on what Raymond would end up doing in life, they all agreed that he was headed for greatness. Raymond graduated from Andrews Academy High School (Berrien Springs, MI) with plans of working in the field of science in some way. Once he received his Bachelors in Biology from Oakwood University, Raymond was determined to build a successful career in the field of forensic science. In realizing this vision, Raymond was relentless in his pursuit of excellence. He excelled at the University of Florida where he earned his Masters Degree in Forensic DNA and Serology. He was determined to work in his chosen field and was hired by the Ohio Attorney General in 2008, where he was ultimately promoted to the position of DNA Analyst for the Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation in London, OH. A highly-regarded DNA scientist, colleagues of Raymond fondly describe him as a humble, unassuming professional who was willing to take on anything that was asked of him. He earned the respect, admiration, and high regard of all he encountered personally and professionally. On September 6, 2009, Raymond married the love of his life and best friend since high school, Melissa Pierre-Louis. And to everyone’s joy and excitement, Raymond and Melissa welcomed a beautiful son, Sebastian Emery Peoples on July 7, 2014. His deep love for his wife and son was apparent to everyone through his fond words, the quality time he spent with them and his happy disposition. Raymond is survived by his wife, Melissa and son, Sebastian; mother, Cecilia Peoples; maternal grandmother, Georgia Peterson; sisters, Shaless Peoples, Traci Martin, and Carla (John) Peoples-Dyer; brother, Terry Peoples, and a host of many loving in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Raymond was preceded in death by his father Raymond Charles Peoples; his paternal grandparents Alice Dowdell Peoples and Albert Peoples; and his maternal grandfather, Cecil Raymond Martin. Raymond’s light of love, kindness, brilliance, and loyalty shone brightly on everyone he met. All who had even the briefest of encounters with Raymond, were forever changed by his sweet smile, unwavering selflessness, uncanny humor, and reassuring calmness. Yet while he sleeps, Raymond’s love and impact will forever be felt.