Rev. Dr. Emma Alberta Peterson

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31: 25-26

Reverend Dr. Emma Alberta Peterson, affectionately known as Mother Peterson, was born in Brunswick, Georgia, on November 22, 1933, to the late Everlena Deloach Logan and the late Harry Logan. On the morning of September 7, at 7:12 AM, Dr. Peterson accepted her call to eternal rest at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

At an early age, she joined Grace Methodist Church in Brunswick, Georgia. Reverend Dr. Peterson attended and graduated from Risley High School in Brunswick, Georgia. She later attended a community college in Brunswick and then received her nursing certification in Atlanta, Georgia.

On May 16, 1969, she married Sergeant Major (retired) Robert W. Peterson and travelled extensively as a military spouse. They moved to Hinesville, Georgia, on January 7, 1989. Reverend Dr. Peterson worked as a dedicated nurse at Winn Army Community Hospital, Fort Stewart, Georgia, until her retirement in December 1996. Upon her retirement, she served 37 years in nursing. Her nursing career began in her hometown of Brunswick and took her to Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Virginia, Germany, and ended at Fort Stewart, Georgia. She had a special love for nursing. During her military travels, she served faithfully in various churches. Upon arrival in Hinesville, she joined Bennett Union Missionary Baptist Church in Jesup, Georgia. Later, she moved her membership closer to home and became a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville under the leadership of Bishop M. L. Jackson. She was a faithful church announcer and church mother. When Mt. Zion Memorial Chapel was established under the umbrella of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Dr Peterson was assigned to the Chapel.

After her retirement from Fort Stewart, every weekday, Dr. Peterson’s voice could be heard on WGML 99 in Hinesville, Georgia. For five and a half years, she shared “words of wisdom” with her listening audience. Her spoken words, as well as her calm, unique voice, brought comfort and inspiration to the listeners. She was referred to affectionately as Mother Peterson, the woman who showed love to everyone she met. The woman with a wide and confident smile which always puts people at ease. Reverend Dr. Peterson is what you would have described as a “phenomenal woman.”

Always having a desire to learn more, on June 19, 2005 (at the age of 70), she received her Doctorate Degree in Christian Education and Christian Counselling from Trinity Temple College of Religion in Hinesville, Georgia. She attended Trinity for three years and answered her call to ministry during that time. After graduation, she served as the College’s first Chaplain.

In 2007, Reverend Dr. Peterson and Robert moved back to their native Brunswick, Georgia. During that time, she served as a member of First Bryant Baptist Church for 18 years. She also served as an assistant pastor to Pastor Tyrone Timmons, leader of the women’s Bible study, and the adult class Sunday school teacher. According to Dr. Peterson, her only motivation was to get to heaven and to take as many people as she can by telling them the good news about Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Logan and Everlena Deloach Logan and Stepfather Telfair Jenkins; brothers, Albert Logan, Nathaniel Logan, and Chris Golden; sisters, Evelyn Collins, and Vivian Logan; and sister-in-law, Juanita P. Coley. 

Those left to cherish her precious memories and uphold her legacy include her husband, Sergeant Major Robert W. Peterson (retired); children, Pamela Yvette Cummings Whitten, Albert Eugene Cummings III, Marsha J. Cummings, and Kevin Bernard Cummings (Margaret); grandchildren, Mark Cummings, Crystal Cummings, Candace Latoya White, Anthony Cobb, Mekelda F. Vernon, Alexis D. Cummings, Kendra C. Cummings, and Tamir L. D. Cummings; great-grandchildren, Marque’l Cummings, Marcayla Cummings, Zhria Cummings, Nya Cummings, Braxton Fairley, Nehemiah Jones, A’Shaunie Cummings, A’laya Tyre, Kenneth Williams Jr., Tayajlik Vernon-Thompson, Anais Baker, Davion Kelly, Jordin Hakim, and Antonio Floyd, Jr.; beloved nieces and nephews, Linda Richardson (Elijah), Ramon Logan (Georgia), Maurice Collins (Theresa), Alverette Callaway (Larry), Cynthia Wright (Otis), Bonnie Coley-Burrell (Alfred), Sherri Coley-McRae (Marvin), and Robert Coley (Lorma); bonus daughters and sons, Elder Audrey Norris, Reverend Dr. Edith W. Anderson, Gwen Hudson, Dr. Harris and Antonio Harris, and Robin Mallard (Moses); close beloved friend, Mother Mamie Roberts (Mother of First Bryant Church, Brunswick, Georgia); special friends, Shirley Frasier, Delores Bell Jefferey, and Vivian Green; and a host of other relatives, and friends.