Anita King Peterson

Anita Grace King Peterson

Anita Grace King Peterson, 83, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at her home after a lengthy illness. Visitation was held at First Baptist Church of Homer between 10-11 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017. A celebration service of Anita's life followed at 11:00 a.m. and burial was at Arlington Cemetery of Homer.

Anita was born June 10, 1933 in Henderson, TX to Lance and Emmalyn Grace King. As well as, office manager for Peterson Contractors, Inc., she was well known as a professional artist, specializing in portraiture. After beginning her formal art training at the Henderson Junior and Senior High Schools, she and her family moved to Homer where she was a 1951 Homer High School graduate. It was here she met and married her husband of 65 years, Julius "Doodley" Peterson. Anita continued her art training and graduated from Art Institute Academy of Minneapolis, MN in graphic design and was published in their magazine "The Illustrator." Some of her other instructors include the late Louis Sicard, Sr. of Shreveport, international know color theorist Merlin Enabit, Edgar A. Whitney, A.W.S. of New York and New England; Luphelia Middlebrooks of Stephens, AR; Jerry Poole of Camden, AR; Bud Briggs and Harold Roney at Cloudcroft, NM Art Retreat, as well as, the late Lillian Bellizio of Homer.

Anita taught weekly private art classes for children, youth and adults in oil, watercolor, pastel and charcoal for 20 years. She founded the Claiborne Parish Art Jubilee and Annual Art Show in 1959. Anita was known for presenting one of the finest art shows in the South. Many Saturdays were spent at art shows and special events in the Arklatex doing onsite quick study pastel portraits and where she was awarded many Best of Show awards. She gave demonstrations for art leagues of the surrounding areas.

In 1974 Anita was commissioned to paint the Northeast LA State University Chacahoula Indian mascot for reproduction as part of a campaign to raise funds for the University's Alumni Association and Scholarship Fund. She spent many hours painting murals for numerous school musicals and church banquets. She is best known for painting the Homer First Baptist Church baptistery mural.

Outside her art career, Anita enjoyed the lake, waterskiing, swimming, reading (especially history) and ballroom dancing. With her beautiful singing voice, she praised the God she loved, by singing in the FBC choir and there also taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. She and her family spent much time on Lake Claiborne, where they built a home.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Lance Alton King and Emmalyn Grace King and grandson, Landon Alexander Hays.

She is survived by her loving husband, Julius "Doodley" Perry Peterson; 2 daughters, Judy Peterson Buckner and husband , Buzzy of Athens, LA and Belinda Peterson Hays of Shreveport, LA; brother, Samuel Lance King of Pearl, MS; grandchildren, Zack Buckner and wife Ashley of Athens, LA, Katie Buckner Coburn and husband, Todd of Athens, LA and Adrienne Michele Hays of Shreveport, LA; great grands, Dylan Buckner and Ryder Buckner; along with nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends.

Our special love and appreciation goes to her husband, our dad, for the many years of constant care, true love, loyalty and devotion to our mom. You have been amazing. We love you so much, Daddy.

And very special thanks to Angela Tims and Jackie Hardaway for their many years of giving her the very best attention and care that helped make her life more comfortable.

Pallbearers were Buzzy Buckner, Zack Buckner, Steve Daniel, Seth Daniel, Joe Heckel, Todd Coburn, David Tyler and Ronnie Anderson.

In lieu of flowers honoring Anita, her family suggests the First Baptist Church of Homer, LA or Alzheimer's Association.