WEEMS—Deacon Elijah Monroe Peterson departed this life on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at his home in Weems. He was born on January 21, 1945, to the late Viola Peterson and the late Morris Harding.
Monroe attended Julius Rosenwald School and later studied and received his Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED).
Monroe accepted Christ as his Saviour and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. All who met Monroe experienced his love for the Lord and his passion to share the gospel. Those who had the opportunity to share in “extended” and “extra-extended” conversations with him heard his testimony and the details of his many life journeys.
Monroe served as a dedicated Sunday school teacher in addition to being a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church for over two decades. He also was a member of the Northern Neck Deacon Union.
Monroe held several different occupations over the years, from bridge operator to concrete driver at Beasley, to caretaker at Calvary Baptist Church. His most recent job as a bus driver for the Northumberland County Public School System brought him great joy. Monroe believed that in addition to driving the students to their destinations, he also had the charge to teach them life skills and encourage them to become all that God had created them to be.
Monroe touched the lives of so many people and it seems that everyone across the entire Northern Neck knew him and his contagious smile. He had a hearty sense of humor and a unique love for life and for children of all ages. Many have memories of Monroe driving the full Calvary baseball team in his station wagon up to 15 deep, and others enjoyed several engaging talks with him just about everyday life. His thoughtfulness and generosity were truly gifts.
Monroe leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Helen Peterson; sons, Alex Peterson (Bonnie) of Essex and Joseph Cox (Karen) of Edwardsville; daughters, Ashley Peterson and Marya Ford of Burtonsville, Md.; stepchildren, Mark Curry of Takoma Park, Md., Morgan Curry Jr. of Irvington and Victoria Curry (Wayne) of Accokeek, Md. He also leaves four sisters, Idell Williams, Rebecca Thompson, Genevieve Nell and Elizabeth Harrison; and brother, Billing Harding (Yvette).
He is further survived by his grandchildren, Ariam Graver (Brad), Neisha, Tasha, Tisha, Alex Jr. “Boogie,” Lakita Little (Jay), Vanessa, Brandon, Stephanie, Marcus, Asha, Kiara and Elese. He also leaves special friends, Norris Lee, Deacon John James and Deacon Billy Lee; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was also predeceased by his son, Cedric Cox.
A viewing was held from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, August 8, followed by a home-going service at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Kilmarnock. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Campbell Funeral Home of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
