Ava Boy Peterson, age 104, of Knoxville, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016 at her home. Ava was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 23, 1911. She spent most of her childhood in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she met her future husband, Dr. B. F. (Pete) Peterson. She graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1929 and was attending Jonesboro College at the time of her marriage. After her wedding in 1933, Ava and Pete moved to Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Knoxville in 1935. Except for a short period during World War II, she remained in Knoxville until her death. She was a member of Bearden United Methodist Church. Ava was a great mother. By example she taught us the value of hard work, creativity, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She will be missed but not forgotten. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fava Cannon Boy and Walter Kiger; her step-father, E. R. Boy; her husband of 39 years, Dr. B. F. Peterson; her grandson, Michael Peterson; and her sister, Atha Moss. Ava is survived by four children: Bedford Peterson, Jr. and his wife Faye of Nashville; Larry Peterson and his wife Beverly of Knoxville; Ava Randolph of Knoxville; and Carolyn Hutsell and her husband Don of Knoxville. She was very proud of her grandchildren, Mike Peterson, Kim Peterson, Sherri Holt, Lauren Peterson, William Randolph, Dean Randolph, Bedford Peterson III, Robert Peterson, and Richard Peterson. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Family will receive friends on Monday, March 14, 2016 at Ava’s home. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements by Berry Highland Memorial, Kingston Pike.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5