Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Gary, Indiana
1932 - 2015
Margaret Ree (Ballard) Peterson, affectionately known as "Micey" and "Ma' Dear", was born May 6, 1932, in Stanton, Tennessee to the late R.V., Sr. and Lucille Ballard. Thursday, January 15, 2015, she gracefully transitioned into the presence of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R.V., Sr. and Mattie Lucille (Fouse) Ballard; 8 siblings, Willie Ballard, R.V. Ballard, Jr., LeVoy Ballard, Callie Vaulx, Rose Bates, Velma Norment, Lucy Tipton, Hattie Gayton; husband, Billie Martin Peterson; 2 sons, Billie F. Peterson and Clarence Thompson.
Survived by 1 sister, Kathryn Smith; 4 daughters, Betty Jean (Leroy) Taylor, Betty Marie Cole, Florence (James) Robinson, LaTanya (Willie) Woodson; 22 grandchildren, Rollin (Dawn), Daria, Caryl (Alicia) Tiauna, Simeon, Shalanda, Derrell (Chyamiah), Lemuel (Lisa), Micah (Vanessa), Tamara (George), Elisha (Elijah), Jerhesa, Jasmine, Brittney (Willie), Willie III, Creona, Autry, Aaron, Jamika, Dupre (Sabrina), Deonna, Bianca, God-grandson, KaDarrell (Clara) Thigpen and God-granddaughter, Lisa (Troy) Robinson; special daughter, Denise Gates; 4 speical friends, Mary Madison, Fannie Miller, Irene Butler and Denise Palmer; 39 great-grandchildren and 9 great- great-grandchildren.
Viewing on Friday, January 23 at Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home (12-8 p.m.) 4209 Grant Street, Gary, Indiana.
Funeral service Saturday, January 24, 2015 (10 a.m.) at Greater Destiny Bible Church, 1920 E. Columbus Drive, East Chicago, Indiana. Reverend Kelly B. Williams, Officiating, with viewing from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. ~
The spirit bought me here today to see your beautiful face and to say that i really miss you very much. I miss just dropping by whenever I felt like and you were always available to listen and to talk. You were available fore EVERYONE. I miss the yearly birthday songs and you never missed anyone's birthday. You were the best Madear ever.... Til we meet again. I LOVE U!!!
Tamara Dickerson
November 17, 2019 | Merrillville, IN | Grandchild
It's been one year today since Madea left us. There's been a hole in our hearts, she's missed dearly by all. Madea was there to always give encouragement, advice, and show us love and how to love. Until we meet again, Madea, Daddy and all love ones are in our hearts. Love you!!! Mae
January 15, 2016
Your mom was a beautiful person inside and out. She was always a pleasure to be around. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to see her when she was in the hospital this past December. The choir in heaven is really singing now! With much love for the Peterson Family. The Lord's blessings.
Tanya Gonzalez
January 28, 2015 | Gary, IN
Please accept sincere condolences from the entire Foley Family. She's a jewel that will never lose it's radiance, a flower that will never lose it's fragrance, and a woman that will never lose her grace. She will be truly missed. Our prayers are with the family. We shall all see her again at the great coronation!! SHE WON'T BE CROWNED 'TIL WE GET THERE!! BE BLESSED...
Eunice (LYNN) Foley
January 24, 2015 | Merrillville, IN
Betty & Family
Moms are important and special people. I am sorry for the loss of such a valuable person in your life. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Bernice Howard
January 24, 2015 | Gary, IN
Micey, You will be truly missed, and your sweet spirit will forever live in our hearts.
love Eunice Williams (The Ballard Family).
4373 Farnum Inkster, Mi 48141.
January 23, 2015
Madear I will cherish the last month we had together. We had a special bond that noone understood but us. We loved each other and knew how to rattle each other cages lol... You're all over "Face" now too. I will miss you more than you will ever know,help me through this. Now enjoy catching up with your loved ones. Kiss dad and grand-dad, Love you!!
Bianca Peterson
January 23, 2015 | Gary, IN
From The Howards Family
January 23, 2015
I'm at peace knowing the conversation we had. Also knowing that you are now with Granda and dad, I know they missed you. Love you much Madea.
Deonna Peterson
January 23, 2015 | Gary, IN