Lela V. Peterson

Lela Vertell Peterson was born on September 26, 1933, in Johnsonville, South Carolina, to the late Ben Peterson and Leola Cooper Peterson. On September 1, 2025, she peacefully answered her Heavenly Father’s call and entered into eternal rest. 

Lela began her early education in Olanta, South Carolina, and later graduated with honors from Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina. As a young woman, she moved to White Plains, New York, where she began a long and dedicated career in the hospitality industry, serving as a hostess until her retirement. 

Following retirement, Lela relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey, to live with her son, Kenneth Peterson. In 2021, she returned to Florence, South Carolina, where she resided at several assisted living facilities, including Florence Place, Benton House, Pee Dee Gardens, and finally, Honorage Nursing Facility, where she spent her last days surrounded by care and love. 

Lela was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Leola Peterson and sisters Mattie McFadden (Vernon – both deceased), Lillian Hopgood (Roy – both deceased), Jacqueline Richburg (Ernest – both deceased), and Patsy Staine; and two brothers, Moddie Peterson and Ben Peterson, Jr.; brother in-law, David Bannister.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Annette Denmark (Bobby) and Lola Bannister; her two beloved children, Kenneth Peterson and Cheryl Peterson-Gaines (Derrell); four grandchildren, Laterrall Peterson, Courtney Peterson, Javaris Gaines, and Tyesha Davis; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother in-law, Raymond Staine and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

Lela’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to her family will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Please keep the family of Lela Vertell Peterson in your thoughts and prayers.