Shirley C. Peterson

Shirley C. Peterson peacefully departed this life on September 5, 2026 at her residence. She was born on February 26, 1944 in Ford, VA to the late Christopher Harris and Lucy L. Creighton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Peterson, brothers, Harry T. Creighton and brother, John Harris, her devoted aunts, Estelle Spriggs, Dora Edmonds, Inez Branch and Laura Harris; and beloved friend, Thomas Banks. During her youth, her family moved to Petersburg, VA, where Shirley was educated in the Petersburg Public Schools, graduating from Peabody High School in the Class of 1965. She was a dedicated alumni until her health declined. She retired from Central State Hospital with over 30 years of dedicated service to her clients.

At an early age Shirley gave her life to Christ and became a member of Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Williams and remained under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White, Sr. She was a faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years. Shirley was a member of several ministries but her passion was singing in the various choirs. She began her music ministry in the Youth Choir and later became a member of the J. B. Brown Memorial Choir and the Fellowshipers. Her passion for singing and her love for God was evident to all as she swayed to the beat of the music and she belted out the words to the hymns. She also participated in the Summer Enrichment Program, Vacation Bible School and the Missionary Ministry, where she held the position of secretary for several years.

Shirley will be remembered as a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, and a friend whose kindness touched the lives of many. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted daughter, Adele Peterson, a loving and faithful brother, Ronnie Creighton and a loving grandson whom she cherished, Jonathan Peterson all of Petersburg, VA, an aunt, Wanda Talton of CA, several cousins, Jameshia Wall, Journee Tucker, Wilbur Cook, James Branch, Jr., Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, Barbara Gill, Mildred Harris and Apostle Virginia Smith, sisters-in-law, Nancy Harris, Barbara Fields, and Mary Peterson, devoted friends, Shirley Yarn, Chubbie Yarn, Diane Banks, Francina Morris, Marilyn Scott, Deidra Shepard, Canzata Turner, Bernice Griffin, Monica Brooks, the Fitzgerald and Hinton families, Birdsville neighbors and the Zion Baptist Church family. Shirley will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Crater Hospice, Mary Ekundayo, Shannon Cook, Lindsey Patrick and all of the other amazing nurses. Special thanks to Alex Brown, Alecia Ross, and Linda Jiggetts. Special thanks to TLC Home Health and her devoted aides, Catherine Johnson and Facilla Blanding.

Shirley lived her life with compassion, strength, and grace. Her greatest joy was time spent with those she loved. She created a home filled with warmth, encouragement, unwavering support and the aroma of her delicious coconut and sweet potato pies. She leaves behind countless treasured memories. Her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those whose lives she enriched. Forever loved, forever remembered.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Friday, September 18, 2026, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. James Delano Douglas, Pastor, eulogist and Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, officiant. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6198670?fl=so&fe=fs