Lila Peterson

Mrs. Lila Marie Cureton Peterson was born on May 22, 1916, in Williamston, South Carolina, the daughter of Felton Cureton and Lila Clinkscale Cureton. She grew up in Greenville on Glover Street with her mother and stepfather, James Bates, and attended Allen Elementary School during the early 1920s. In 1933 she graduated Valedictorian from Sterling High School while also serving as the pianist for the school choir. After graduating from Sterling High School, she attended Savannah State College in Savannah, GA, where she earned a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. While attending Savannah State College, she met and fell in love with her late husband, James Alexander Peterson. This union produced three children: Sylvia J. Peterson of Greenville, SC, Helen A. Logan Green of Simpsonville, SC, and James Edward Peterson (deceased).

Marie taught elementary school for five years in Georgia and thirteen years in the School District of Greenville County. After teaching school, Marie worked as a case worker in the Food Stamp office for the state of South Carolina for ten years until she retired. During her tenure at the state, she was a civil rights advocate who stood up and spoke up for the rights of herself and her co-workers.

Prior to becoming a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Marie was a dedicated member of Minus Chapel United Methodist Church for fifty years. She voluntarily served in many roles such as church musician, financial secretary/treasurer, scriptwriter for special programs, and Sunday School teacher. While at Tabernacle, she participated in the Women’s Ministry, Seniors Ministry, Bible Study classes, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School activities. She also was a member and participated in the senior group, “Seniors on the Move” with Tony Burton.

Marie loved life and all those who she came in contact with. She had a “Heart of Gold” and she greeted everyone with a pleasant smile and an open heart. Her favorite quote was “Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy on earth.” This was more than a quote for her but the way she lived her life. Serving others was what she did consistently. Whether it was distributing the publication “The Upper Room,” visiting friends who were sick or hospitalized, giving small gifts, or sharing an encouraging word, she enjoyed and loved serving others.

As the Matriarch of her family, she always displayed unconditional love, shared valuable wisdom, and provided a tremendous example on how to live serving others. Affectionately known as “Momma” to her daughters and “Mimmy” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild, and “My Sweetie” by her son-in-law, Michael Green, she was elated and overwhelmed with joy whenever she got the opportunity to spend time with her family.

Marie was predeceased by her mother, Lila Clinkscales Cureton Bates; her father, Felton Cureton; son, James Edward Peterson and her husband, James Alexander Peterson.

She is survived by her daughters, Sylvia Jeannette Peterson of Greenville, SC and Helen Annette Peterson Logan Green (Husband, Michael Green) of Simpsonville, SC; two grandchildren, Derrick Logan (wife, Monica Logan) of Riverdale GA and Rodrick Logan (wife, Amber Logan) of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren, Janae Logan, Derrick Logan, II., Marcus Logan, Aliya Logan and Raniece Logan; a great-great-grandchild, Madison Logan; brother-in-law, Jack Peterson (wife, Marjorie Peterson) and a host of other family members and friends.