Peacocks Honored Upon Retirement
Sevierville, TN– On the evening of March 2, 2017, a large number of people gathered in the Church of God Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (SMCH) Moffett Dining Hall to honor Dr. Coleman and Bonnie Peacock, who have literally given their lives to the ministry of SMCH.
Friends, dignitaries, staff and residents of SMCH were on hand to share in the celebration of their retirement. Coleman retires after more than 27 years of ministry, while Bonnie has served for 23 years. What a legacy they leave for all of us! They have both made an indelible mark on our lives and on the hearts of thousands.
Coleman and Bonnie Peacock display gifts given to them upon their retirement (click photo to enlarge).
The gathering began with a welcome, and Reverend Robert Daugherty blessed the event with a special invocation. Of special note, Coleman’s first ministry position was when he served as the Minister of Youth under the supervision of Reverend Daugherty. A delicious meal was catered for the event by Chef’s Catering of Sevierville. To honor Coleman and Bonnie, a good ole’ hand clapping song was performed by a “make shift foursome called: Another Southern Gospel Quartet, and they sang a famous song out of the Red Back Hymnal (or Church Hymnal) called, Have a Little Talk With Jesus. The quartet was comprised of Rev. Phil Morris, Shane Smith, Falon Smith, and Dr. Walt Mauldin and was accompanied by Denise Morris.
After the foot tapping music, Hildred Newberry, long-term friend and coworker of the Peacocks, shared glowing comments about her years of service with Bonnie. Paul and Tannis Duncan, former directors of the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, recognized the work of the Peacocks with heartfelt gratitude to them. Special guest soloist, Dr. Bill Leonard, ministered to the audience with a rendition of the song, To God Be the Glory, composed by the late Andre Crouch.
Gifts were then presented to the Peacocks by Dr. Walt and Tammie Mauldin, which included a lighthouse for Bonnie (since she collects lighthouses) and an eagle for Coleman to add to his collection. This was followed by a congratulatory letter from Dr. Tim Hill, General Overseer, being read by Dr. Donnie Smith, the Executive Director of the Division of Care. Also, Dr. Smith made personal remarks about his 12 years of ministry with the Peacocks. The evening ended with a benediction by Linda Loyd (SMCH employee for 42 years), who has worked closely with the Peacocks.
Dr. Walt Mauldin, Executive Director, stated, “One word describes the years of exemplary service Dr. Coleman and Bonnie Peacock have given to the ministry of the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. The operative word is: FAITHFUL.”
The combined ministries of the Peacock’s to Smoky Mountain Children’s Home has totaled over 50 years! To God be the glory for the things He has done through their ministry.
(Source: Smoky Mountain Children’s Home; Pamela Kay Overbey)
