Deacon Willie James Peterson was born August 28, 1932 in Hurtsboro, Alabama to the parents of the late Colins and Roseana Peterson.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Rutherford, Alabama. Deacon Peterson was educated in Russell County, Alabama where he attended Russell County Training School in Hurtsboro, Alabama. Before he was twenty years old he left home to pursue a job that would better enhance his living condition.

Deacon Peterson was a dedicated employee of West Coast Insulation for over twenty-four years.

On July 5, 1957, Willie married the late Sallie B. Peterson.

In the early 50’s he united with St. John First Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful leader and member until his death. He served on the Deacon’s Board, Board of Directors, Finance Committee and other church related organizations.

Deacon Peterson departed this life Monday, October 18, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Willie B. Peterson. He will forever remain in the hearts of his children, Gregory Anderson, Dwight Anderson, Terrich J. Peterson, Debbie Isaac, and Torrence Andrews; grandchildren, Derrick Isaac, David Isaac, Jared Bowens, Jada Andrews, Jais Andrews, Torrence Andrews Jr., Donte’ Anderson, Christopher Anderson, Tiffany Anderson, Dwight Anderson Jr., and Monique Anderson; sisters, Della Powell of East Chicago, Indiana, Ruby Chatman of Detroit, Michigan, Helen Mitchell of Gary, Indiana, Roseann Walker of Ft. Myers, Hattie Chatman (Henry) of Augusta, Georgia, Ida Bell Simmons (Rev. Willam Simmons) of Eufala, Alabama; one brother, Colins (Pearl) Peterson Jr. of Covington, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Bertha Denard of Comer, Alabama, Emma Flinn (Harvey) of Oakland, California, Lula Davis of Ft. Myers, Florida, two brothers-in-law, Jimmie Farmer (Ella) of Lima, Ohio, Frank Farmer of Miami, Florida; devoted son-in-law, Donald Isaac, Esq.; devoted friends, Edward Crawford Sr., William Wilcox, and Reverend Fletcher Pugh, thirty-six nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and friends.     

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010 at St. John First Missionary Baptist Church, 2044 Brown Street., Ft. Myers, Florida 33916.  Reverend Rickey L. Anderson Sr., Pastor, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Ft. Myers Cemetery, Ft. Myers, Florida.   Visitation will take place 6-8 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2010 at St. John First Missionary Baptist Church.