Joyce K Peterson, 85, fell asleep in the Lord’s arms on May 12, 2020, after a decade long struggle with dementia. She was born November 18, 1934, in Tennessee, the only daughter of the late Edgar Keemer and Grace Keemer Hamilton. She graduated from Virginia Union University where she met then married the late Rev. John O. Peterson, Sr.
She received countless awards as a science teacher, but her proudest achievements were her founding of the handbell choir and drama ministry at Alfred Street Baptist Church where she was First Lady Emeritus.
Since retiring, she had funded several college scholarships, assisted various community efforts for her Delta Sigma Theta sorority, been an avid patron of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and recently enjoyed music concerts by the Lee Lanier Studio of Charlotte.
She is survived by her daughter Jewelette McDaniel (Chris), son John Peterson, Jr.; grandchildren Lauren Peterson, Jonathan McDaniel, Matthew McDaniel, Brian Peterson, and John Peterson, III; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral will be held at Pope Funeral Home, Maryland on May 26, 2020, with Pastor Howard-John Wesley of ASBC officiating, followed by interment at National Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to ASBC Drama Ministry, 301 S Alfred Street, Alexandria VA 22314.
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