Life's Reflections…

Joseph L. Peterson, Jr. was born to the late Joseph and Eddie Belle Demps Peterson on August 23, 1938, in Quitman, Georgia. He received his early education in the public schools of Brooks County and graduated from Washington High School in the Class of 1957. Furthering his education, Joseph attended Albany State University on a football scholarship and completed his bachelor's degree at Edward Waters College (now Edward Waters University).

A proud patriot, Mr. Peterson honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, concluding his service with an Honorable Discharge on October 3, 1963.
He began his career in Jacksonville, Florida at the Florida Times Union Publishing Company as a District Sales Manager. He was also a substitute teacher for Duval County, specializing in secondary education. Later, he became employed at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery from where he retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Other affiliations include the Washington High School Alumni Association.

Mr. Peterson was united in holy matrimony to the late Mrs. Mary Scriven Peterson for over 40 years. He accepted Christ and at the time of his demise, he was a member of Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where he was in District #24.

Joseph L. Peterson departed this life on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son, Myron Mitchell; sister, Mrs. Ora Peterson; brothers, Robert Lee Peterson and Joseph Peterson. He leaves a loving family to cherish his memory, including his children, Mrs. Lesa Peterson Mitchell (Matthew), Mrs. Leslie Peterson Turner (Sherman), Mrs. Lisa Peterson Herring (Ramuel), and Ms. Helen Scriven; grandchildren, Thomas Mitchell (Brandi), Eric Mitchell, Emily Mitchell, Andrea Turner, Ant'juan Ross, Antonio Jones, Tianna Ross, Myron Mitchell, Jr., Michael Freeman (Tara) and Tyrone Scriven; siblings, Jesse Lee Peterson (Vanessa), Ms. Liza Evans, Ms. Dorothy Peterson, and Dennis Peterson; brother-in-law, James Scriven, Jr.; sister-in-law, Ms. Jeanetta Scriven; a number of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.