Mary Peterson

“Mama”, Aunt Ruth, Sister, Ms. Mary, Mama Mary, Ms. P., Grandma, Nana…you name it, our mother went by all of these names and wore many hats during her lifetime. From running a Café in Rankin with our father for many years, babysitting, volunteering with the local 4-H organization teaching cooking classes, working in the Rankin ISD school cafeteria, to being the song leader for many years at the First Baptist Church Rankin Texas until her health began to fail. Our mother fed and housed many teenagers over the years during the time us kids were in school. Whether it was for football, basketball, track or band functions she could be counted on to open our home to anyone us kids drug home. She was even known for frying up some chicken for our team coaches and band directors. Our mother never met a stranger and although very welcoming she was also never one to hold any punches and said exactly what was on her mind. Our mother taught us about God and did her best to prepare us for such a time as this. Although we are grieving the loss of our “backbone”, she taught us to be strong, work hard and to lean on and offer support for one another. The greatest gift she gave us was a Christian foundation and a love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her love, guidance, support, directness and overall beautiful spirit will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. Rest easy our dear sweet Mama.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Williams and Odessa (Smith) Williams; siblings, Willie Lee Williams, Sr., Elzia Ray Williams, and Glenora McCoy.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 65 years, Ruben Peterson, Jr.; her children: Pat Chandler of La Habra, California, Edward Peterson (Greta) of Tyler, Texas, Barbara Bowens (George) of Abilene, Texas, Charles Peterson of Rankin, Texas, Pansy Peterson of Rankin, Texas, Sylvia Euell (Stephen) of San Angelo, Texas, Michael Peterson (Katherine) of San Angelo, Texas, and Trina Latson (Gerald) of Midland, Texas; her siblings: Birdia Miller of Anaheim, California, Gloria Palmer of Garden Grove, California, Pat Everline (Jesse, Sr.) of Bryan, Texas, and Kittie Williams (sister-in-law) of South Gate, California; her grandchildren: Schae Summons (Mari) of Kapolei, Hawaii, Torre Summons (Tommielee) of Henderson, Nevada, Lenecia Nickell (Dave) of Humble, Texas, Shaun Peterson of Rankin, Texas, Karessa Bowens of San Rafael, California, Anthony Peterson of Tyler, Texas, Bryan Peterson (Kacie) of Tyler, Texas, and Xavier Abalos (Hayley) of Rankin, Texas; 12 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.