Maridecine Peterson

Maridecine Clarke Peterson, 92, passed away at her home in Memphis on July 14, 2012, after a long illness.

Mary was born in Postelle, Arkansas on December 28, 1919. Her family moved to Steele, Missouri after her father, D. I. Clarke, was appointed school superintendent. She was a popular girl, and her first job was as a live window model at a local jewelry store. She graduated from Steele High School, were she was a member of the Bulldog basketball team. She was fond of saying, “Now mind you, I was not a star player, but I looked really cute in my uniform.”

She attended Arkansas State University, and it was at her first freshman dance that she met Pete. He asked her to dance to the tune, ‘Tea For Two’, and for the following seventy-one years she danced to that song with the love of her life, James Brooks (Pete) Peterson.

He proposed to her on December 7, 1941, and they were married on January 2, 1942. A week later they kissed goodbye. For almost four years she taught elementary school in Steele while Pete was fighting for our freedom in the South Pacific. When the war ended, they reunited and began their family.

She was a friend to everyone she met and every friend was a friend for life. An avid letter writer, she joyfully stayed in touch with family and friends. Always thinking of others, she was awarded a coveted ‘Good Guy’ award from the KQEO Radio station when her family lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1962. In Memphis, she was a member of the Red Hat Club and the Homemakers.

Pete passed away two years ago. Mary was also pre-deceased by her eldest son, James Brooks Peterson, Jr., of San Francisco, and her daughter, Laura Lee Ferguson, of Memphis.

Surviving her are two sons, David Clarke Peterson and Eddie Peterson, both of Memphis. Also surviving her are three grandsons and two granddaughters: Alan Ray Ferguson of Chicago, Justin Brooks Peterson of Los Angeles, Brian James Ferguson of Oxford, Mississippi, Galey Brooks Peterson and Grace Claire Peterson, both of Memphis.
She was a kind, gentle, and compassionate lady. That is why she was loved so much, and why she will be so lovingly missed.

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating. Interment will follow in the Jonesboro City Cemetery, 600 E. Matthews. Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Arkansas is handling arrangements.

There will be no visitation. Please send any honorarium to the charity of your choice.