By Rebecca Billman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Elease Foster Peoples, founder along with her late husband, the Rev. Wallace Peoples, of Rockdale Baptist Church, was cherished by the congregation.

"She was the mother of the church," said her god-daughter, Verdell Jones of Bond Hill. "She meant everything to the church."

Mrs. Peoples, 95, died Nov. 18 at her residence at Oak Pavilion Nursing Center in Avondale.

As wife of the first pastor of Rockdale, Mrs. Peoples took charge of the youth of the congregation. She formed several choirs for the children, including the Rose Bud, Young Adult and Junior choirs.

A talented musician, she studied piano at the Boston Academy of Music, the College-Conservatory of Music and the music department of Cincinnati Bible College.

Mrs. Peoples accompanied the choirs, played for church services and taught piano from her home.

She was a member of the Baptist and Interdenominational Ministers' Wives and Widows Association of Cincinnati, and the Rockdale Deacons' Wives.

Mrs. Peoples' husband died in the 1960s. Survivors include nieces and nephews.

Services have been held. Interment was at Spring Grove Cemetery.

E-mail rbillman@enquirer.com