Carol Joyce Peterson

Carol Joyce Peterson was born to Harry and Virginia Dunlap on September 20th, 1940 in Fresno, California. As a child, Carol had a nurturing heart and helped raise her siblings growing up. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Carol sought to further her education, taking medical assistance classes at Fresno City College.

A few years later, at her duplex in Fresno, Carol met a handsome young man that would later become her husband and the love of her life. On a beautiful September afternoon in Sanger, Carol married Vernon Peterson. The two lovebirds built a home for their two children, Jeff and Pam. A home that was filled with a love for God and each other.

In 1981, Carol and Vern started attending Valley Christian Center. Carol followed God’s call to volunteer in the Women’s and Children’s Ministries Department at Valley, assisting Pastor Marge Ainley. The volunteering eventually became a full time position that she held for 17 years. The two ladies worked side by side for many years, and developed a precious friendship that lasted decades. Her work there became her passion, and she had a true heart for loving and serving the congregation there. Carol retired from VCC in 2001.

During her retirement, she and Vernon enjoyed traveling to the coast, staying at their favorite hotel, the Apple Farm, browsing in antique stores, and spending time with their friends and family.

Carol loved music. She enjoyed playing instruments like the electric organ and the harpsichord, and could be heard singing praise songs throughout her day. Her favorite singers growing up were Pat Boone, Doris Day, and Ricky Nelson.

One of Carol’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her granddaughters. They had many sleepovers where they would play with American Girl dolls, Chevron cars, and Doc McStuffins medical gear. Hours were spent watching Calliou and Berenstain Bears. You could hear the three of them giggle, sing, and tell stories to each other.

Carol was known for her quick wit, cheesy jokes, and warm smiles that could light up a room. She has been a blessing to many, and touched countless lives, through her faith, kindness and compassion.

Carol’s faith and her love for Jesus showed in everything she did. Whether she was praying over someone, leading a woman’s Bible study, or giving Godly advice to her children, God was always the center. She had a servant’s heart, a warrior’s strength, and was a beautiful example of God’s love to everyone she knew.

Carol is survived by her son Jeff and wife Amanda, her daughter Pam and husband Jason, and her grandchildren, TJ, Sam, John, Chris, Kayla, and Hanna.

THANK YOU

The entire Peterson family would like to thank you all for joining us in celebrating Carol’s life. We greatly appreciate all of your prayers, love and support. We would like to give a special thank you to Meet Aulakh and the staff at Royal Gardens Senior Care. They have given Carol many years of loving, attentive service. Words cannot express how truly grateful we are. We also would like to extend a big thank you to the nurses and staff of both Hinds Hospice and Bristol Hospice. Your kindness has meant everything to us. We’d like to thank Marge and Ben Ainley for your boundless love and support over the years and for officiating Mom’s service. Finally, we’d like to thank Rachel Golding for playing guitar and leading us today in two of Carol’s favorite songs.