Michael Bohannon Peters

Michael Bohannon “Bo” Peters, age 4, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on July 30, 2025, at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, surrounded by love, songs, and a thousand kisses from his mom and dad.

Bo was born on October 1, 2020, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Theresa Peters (née Caten) and Nicholas Peters. He was a typical baby at first, but at four months old, he began experiencing seizures that led to a diagnosis of lissencephaly, a rare brain malformation. From that moment on, Bo began a journey of courage and perseverance, facing each challenge with quiet strength. Though his path included many medications, interventions, and hospitalizations, Bo was always open to love—accepting kindness from everyone around him: his devoted family, caring neighbors, compassionate therapists, and dedicated nurses and doctors.

Bo had a special connection to koalas, animals who share his brain structure and who have become the unofficial mascots of the lissencephaly community. His mom lovingly collected koala-themed items for him, and Bo’s world was filled with their gentle presence. He especially enjoyed watching Miss Rachel and listening to the joyful voices of his siblings as they played nearby. His world was small but deeply rich in love.

Bo is survived by his parents, Theresa and Nicholas Peters; his siblings Henry, Lucas, Andrew, Mary Catherine (“Cat”), and Juliet; as well as many extended family members and friends who were touched by his life. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Elaine Peters (née Gunkel); great-grandfather Richard Eugene Cox and his aunt Constance “Connie” Helen Peters.

Bo’s life was short but radiant. His gentle spirit and quiet strength will never be forgotten.

The family welcomes friends to a Visitation at Berry Highland West, on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5pm-7pm or a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 St. John Ct., Knoxville, TN 37934.