Mildred L. Cox Peterson

Mildred Peterson was born February 12, 1924 in Clinton, NC to the late Eva Beamon Cox and Henry Cox. She attended and graduated from Sampson County Training School (Sampson High School), Clinton, North Carolina. She gave her life to Jesus Christ at an early age and attended First Baptist Church, Clinton, NC.

To pursue new horizons, Mildred moved to Washington, DC with the love of her life, John Peterson where they married on January 2, 1951. Out of their union, the Lord blessed them with a daughter - Wanda Evette Peterson.

Mildred was employed by the YWCA in Washington, DC where she flourished in catering until they closed in late 1970’s. She later was employed by The Cookie Café as a cashier at Union Station in Washington, DC until she retired.

Mildred loved her family. She would call or visit her siblings and cousins regularly. They would have long and spirited conversations at times. She especially had a close relationship with her sister Henrietta Cox Cole. When you saw one, you saw the other one. Many family gatherings were held at Mildred’s longtime resident -1825 Maryland Avenue. She lived there for over 50 years where she established longtime relationship with many of the residents.

As much as she loved her family, she also loved her church – Shiloh Baptist and she had a heart to serve. Mildred joined Shiloh Baptist, February 4, 1951. She was a dedicated member of the Senior Usher Board and a charter member of Shiloh Baptist Church Gospel Choir. She still considered herself a member of the choir even though her illness prevented her from singing with the choir. She was also a devoted member of the Eula Mae Harrison and Eveready Circle. If she wasn’t home, she was at the church participating in some service or event.

For those who knew and loved Mildred, knew that she liked having fun and was quit with her wit. She always said, “I just like to keep things going to have fun.” She had no problem speaking her mind and giving you advice, whether you wanted it or not. She knew what was best for you. She was feisty to the very end.

Mildred leaves to cherish her memories: her nieces and nephews- Sharon McKinley, Pastor E. Dwayne Brewington, Lynne Cox, Yolanda Cox, James Cox, Jr., Gynell Felton, Deleica Cox, and Barron Felton; a host of cousins – Barbara Ann Luckett, Pat Cherry, Marjorie Jenkins, Audrey Moore, Carolyn Butler, Gwendolyn Simpson, Eleanor Stewart, Shirley Smith, and Margo Smith; and a host of devoted friends.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband John Peterson and daughter, Wanda Evette Peterson and her siblings – Doris Cox, Janess Cox Felton, Henrietta Cox Cole, and James Cox, Sr.