Denise Carol Peters

Denise Carol Peters, 69, of Southport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick.

Born on July 23, 1956, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to the late Virgil and Janice Burris, Denise was the first of five children and grew up surrounded by a strong sense of family-something she carried with her throughout her life. A 1974 graduate of Hershey High School, she later moved to Bradgate, Iowa, where she met Robert Cran. They married in 1977 and welcomed two sons, William and Jonathan, whom she lovingly raised on the family farm.

Denise launched a meaningful career in 1993 with the Iowa State University Extension, helping families recover from the devastating floods of that year. Driven and dedicated, she earned her Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation in 1995 and continued her work at the Bradford Center in Clarion, Iowa. Her career later took her to Denver in 2003, where she joined ING Group. Denise later transitioned to Davenport and Company, where she rose to become Senior Vice President of Compliance before retiring in 2018.

Outside her successful career, Denise embraced every opportunity to enjoy life with the people she loved. In 2006, Denise married Jerry Peters, and together they built a life marked by adventure, creativity, and a great group of friends in Roanoke, Virginia and Southport, North Carolina. She was an enthusiastic traveler whose curiosity led her around the world-from Europe's historic streets to sunlit tropical shores-with Jerry and close friends by her side. Their nearly month-long cruise on the Rhine River remained one of her favorite memories.

Denise was also happiest in the kitchen, where her talent for cooking turned meals into celebrations and welcomed everyone to her table. Her creativity extended to home renovation as well. Denise and Jerry revitalized numerous houses in the Roanoke area, transforming neglected properties into warm, beautiful homes for other families.

In 2018, Denise and Jerry made their final move to St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina, where they continued to enjoy the beach, host gatherings, and surround themselves with friends, children, and grandchildren. Denise's warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit made her a beloved presence in every circle she touched.

Denise is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Peters, of Southport, NC; her sons, William Cran, wife Ashley, and their children William and Brooklyn, and Jonathan Cran, wife Jessica, and their daughter, Riviera; and Jerry's children, Adam Peters, wife Heidi and their son, Callan, and Emily Peters. She is also survived by her siblings: Paul Burris, wife Pam, Michelle Thomas, Doug Burris, partner Debbie Newman, and Wayne Burris, wife Jennifer.

Per Denise's wishes, she will be cremated, and no services are planned. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice House of Brunswick County-Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.