Toni G. Peterson, marked by resilience, quiet humor, and an unwavering commitment to family, departed this life on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength and enduring love.
Born on May 8, 1949, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Dalciler Peterson and Thomas Nesbitt, Toni was the eldest of four. In her early years, she was nurtured by her Aunt Laura King and her husband before relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1955. There, she was primarily raised by her devoted Aunt Elizabeth David and partner Conrad, whose guidance helped shape Toni into a woman of immense resolve. She flourished at Theodore Roosevelt High School, where she often recalled with a laugh that her teachers showed her "mercy" in math, recognizing her persistence even when the numbers didn't add up.
In 1967, Toni married Maurice Simpson, Sr., and welcomed their son, Maurice Jr. Following the tragic loss of Maurice Sr. in 1970 due to injuries from the Vietnam War, Toni's resilience was tested and deepened. She later married Donald Wade, a union that brought her daughter, Leslie, into the world. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, it remained a significant chapter in the expansion of her family.
What began as a "temporary" job at C&P Telephone became a distinguished career. As the company evolved into Verizon, Toni remained a steady, trusted presence, relied upon to solve the most complex concerns for installers. She retired in 2001, leaving a reputation for excellence and cherished friendships with colleagues such as "Ms. Pat," Catherine Hawkins, and Steven Howard.
For 40 years, Toni shared a life of companionship and devotion with her partner, Charles Owens, in Clinton, Maryland. She took great pride in her home, finding peace in the simple joy of watching butterflies through her bedroom window.
Above all, Toni was a devoted grandmother. She was a daily presence in the life of Bryce Wade, whom she affectionately called "My Joy." Alongside Charles, she provided steady support and care for Bryce, who proudly carries a derivative of her name (Bryce Charles-Anthony). She was also the proud grandmother of Ayrik and Aryanna Simpson of California.
A straightforward spirit, Toni was a longtime football fan who eventually traded her local team for the Kansas City Chiefs, simply because she liked the quarterback. Though her health declined in later years, her hope to see her family thrive never wavered.
Toni leaves to cherish her memory her partner, Charles Owens; her children, Maurice Jr. (Maria) and Leslie; her grandchildren, Ayrik, Aryanna, and Bryce; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Thomas Peterson, Wanda Dickens, and Reginald Dickens.
Her love and presence remain deeply felt by all who knew her.
Born on May 8, 1949, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Dalciler Peterson and Thomas Nesbitt, Toni was the eldest of four. In her early years, she was nurtured by her Aunt Laura King and her husband before relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1955. There, she was primarily raised by her devoted Aunt Elizabeth David and partner Conrad, whose guidance helped shape Toni into a woman of immense resolve. She flourished at Theodore Roosevelt High School, where she often recalled with a laugh that her teachers showed her "mercy" in math, recognizing her persistence even when the numbers didn't add up.
In 1967, Toni married Maurice Simpson, Sr., and welcomed their son, Maurice Jr. Following the tragic loss of Maurice Sr. in 1970 due to injuries from the Vietnam War, Toni's resilience was tested and deepened. She later married Donald Wade, a union that brought her daughter, Leslie, into the world. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, it remained a significant chapter in the expansion of her family.
What began as a "temporary" job at C&P Telephone became a distinguished career. As the company evolved into Verizon, Toni remained a steady, trusted presence, relied upon to solve the most complex concerns for installers. She retired in 2001, leaving a reputation for excellence and cherished friendships with colleagues such as "Ms. Pat," Catherine Hawkins, and Steven Howard.
For 40 years, Toni shared a life of companionship and devotion with her partner, Charles Owens, in Clinton, Maryland. She took great pride in her home, finding peace in the simple joy of watching butterflies through her bedroom window.
Above all, Toni was a devoted grandmother. She was a daily presence in the life of Bryce Wade, whom she affectionately called "My Joy." Alongside Charles, she provided steady support and care for Bryce, who proudly carries a derivative of her name (Bryce Charles-Anthony). She was also the proud grandmother of Ayrik and Aryanna Simpson of California.
A straightforward spirit, Toni was a longtime football fan who eventually traded her local team for the Kansas City Chiefs, simply because she liked the quarterback. Though her health declined in later years, her hope to see her family thrive never wavered.
Toni leaves to cherish her memory her partner, Charles Owens; her children, Maurice Jr. (Maria) and Leslie; her grandchildren, Ayrik, Aryanna, and Bryce; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Thomas Peterson, Wanda Dickens, and Reginald Dickens.
Her love and presence remain deeply felt by all who knew her.
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