Gladys Helen Peterson

PETERSON, Gladys Helen Merritt. Born on October 16, 1922, she left this earthly home and started her heavenly celebration with family and friends that have gone on before her at about 2:00am on December 30, 2014. She lived the last 20 years at Seton Haven on Wares Ferry Road. She was born in a white house on Boyce Street in Montgomery, Alabama, which still stands. She was married for over 30 years to Haywood Peterson of Westville, Florida, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by both parents; a son, Marshall Lee Peterson; a brother, Collins Merritt and his wife; 2 sisters, Willie Merritt and Zelma Rickard; a niece, Linda Singleton; and a great nephew, Carl Wayne Hudgens. She leaves behind a son, Haywood (Patricia) Peterson; a daughter, Brenda (Chad) Spivey; grandchildren, Justin and Jessica Spivey and Matthew Thomas Peterson, locally; Chris and Jennifer Peterson in Georgia; Katelynn Rae Peterson in Arizona; 2 great granddaughters and a great grandson.

Mom always had a helpful phrase like:

There's more to managing than there is in having.

If you fix the best you have, you'll always have the best.

If you waste you will come to want.

Helen loved the Lord and most definitely love her church. A member for over 50 years, she very seldom attended any other church or missed a Sunday Service. She was blessed to never look her age, and ofter received compliments. People routinely guessed her to be at least 20 years younger. She was able to boast of never putting any color on her hair. She loved game shows and bingo. She almost never missed a game at Seton Haven, and was almost always a winner - her table will be sorely miss her.

She lived a blessed life of 92 years; loved the Lord, her Church (Highland Garden Baptist), friends, and family. She has touched each of our lives in a special way, and we are truly blessed to have this mother and grandmother as a part of our family. Miss Helen, Granny Helen, or just Helen, will be dearly missed by all.