Iris Anne "Peterson" Leong

Iris Anne Peterson Leong, age 76 of Burnsville, NC, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Yancey House in Burnsville, NC. Born on November 13, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Agnes Howell Peterson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Vun Ing Leong who passed away in 1993.

Iris, the middle of three sisters, was born in Burnsville, NC, and grew up in Greensboro, NC. After growing up on Silver Avenue in Greensboro, Iris began her professional life with a bachelor's degree from UNC Greensboro and service in the Social Security Administration. In her mid-30s, she sought a career change and earned her law degree from Campbell University. She served for several years as an attorney, but with the passing of her beloved husband, she embarked on a new chapter of learning, which culminated in her earning a master's degree in communication from Regent University. It was during this time, coinciding with her son's high school graduation and attendance at college, that she discovered her passion for sharing the Gospel through storytelling, penning a screenplay with that purpose in mind. Her time at Regent University led her to her true calling at the Christian Broadcasting Network, where she served as a prayer counselor for over 20 years. There, she found immense fulfillment in the daily practice of her faith and offering comfort and guidance to those in need. Her transformation from a driven academic and professional to a woman deeply rooted in faith was an inspiration to all who knew her. Friends and Family will remember Iris for her sweetness, compassion, faith, and dedication to serving God. She now rests in eternal peace with her husband, and while we mourn her loss, we find comfort in the promise of reunion through faith in Jesus Christ. Though we deeply miss her earthly presence, we know her spirit lives on and that we will see her again. Until then, we honor her memory by humbly attempting to follow in her footsteps of faith, service, and compassion.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Stephen (Aniela) Leong of Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and her sisters: Gay (Dale) Schock of Florida, and Joan Clark of Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville, NC. The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mark Wise will be officiating. The burial will follow in the Academy Hill Cemetery in Burnsville, NC.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Leong family.