Willie Jewel Peterson

Willie Jewel Crenshaw-Peterson fondly called “Jewel” was called home to be with the Lord Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Born January 16, 1935 in Greenville, AL, she is the daughter of the late Clate Crenshaw and Elnora Dunklin-Crenshaw. She married Louis Peterson in 1957 and they had three daughters Carolyn, Linda and Gladys. In 1963 the family moved to Albion, MI to be closer to relatives and to seek employment opportunities.

Jewel accepted Jesus Christ into her life as a young child. GOD put a calling on her to live righteous and to tell people about him. She believed what the Bible said and applied its words to her daily life.

Jewel loved people and would frequently help them when she could. She was one to uplift and encourage anyone. If she knew you had a problem, she would try and help you solve it. If she knew you needed prayer, she would pray with you right then and there, if you desired. She was a “true missionary” often referring to God as “Capital G.O.D.”.… phrasing she adopted from the late Elder Bobby Moore.

She was most recent a member of Grace Temple C.O.G.I.C., but was appointed Usher Board President while at Gethsemane Temple C.O.G.I.C. where she attended and served for over thirty years. There she was mostly known for her Annual Usher Day Programs and great fundraising abilities.

Jewel was a very dedicated and hard worker, she retired from Trillium Health System (Albion, MI) when it closed in 2002 after serving as diligent member of the housekeeping staff for over 35 years. She was one who possessed many talents such as sewing, cooking, and baking. She could make just about any garment that was requested of her including wedding gowns and prom dresses. Some of her untouchable baked goods were Red Velvet Cake, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Cobbler and Homemade Dinner Rolls. Everything was always made from scratch, never any instant or box meals. Other past times included vegetable and flower gardening, canning and chopping trees and wood for her fireplace.

Due to her many personal and family responsibilities, Jewel was not able to receive a high school diploma. At the age of 64 she completed all studies and obtained her GED proving “with GOD all things are possible.” She was always determined and led by the example of setting goals and working hard to achieve them, she encouraged others to always pray and put GOD first.

Jewel leaves to carry on her memory two daughters Linda “Lynn” Peterson- Lovelace of Albion, MI and Gladys (James) Seedorf of Battle Creek, MI. Four grandchildren Jaquita Lovelace of Detroit, MI, Barongiere Lovelace of Albion, MI, Danielle Seedorf of Battle Creek, MI and Monique Seedorf of Kalamazoo, MI. Seven great-grandchildren: Zhyaire Brown, Jaden Pettway, Jordyn Pettway, Laila Sims and Skylar Sims, Magnus Brininstool and Malik Washington. C. Arthur (Rachel) Crenshaw Jackson, MI her last surviving sibling along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by ex-husband Louis Peterson, daughter Carolyn Peterson and grandson Darrington Lovelace. Parents Clate and Elnora Crenshaw. Siblings: Frankie Belle Smith, Virgie Bogan, Floree Crenshaw, Estherlene Ridgeway, Lola Mae Ray, Mary Arnold, Calvin Crenshaw, R.G. Crenshaw, Clate Crenshaw and Ed Lee Crenshaw.Jewel had a heart of gold and would share her knowledge and wisdom with others. She will be missed by many.