Theo S. Peterson's Obituary
Theo S. Peterson, 95, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life into her eternal rest on November 10, 2018 in Westwood Manor surrounded by her family. Theo, the daughter of Roy S and Cora Skinner Smith was born on August 13, 1923, in the home of her parents in Sabine Parish, Louisiana.
Visitation will begin Wednesday, November 14, 2018, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM, in the Chapel of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral services will start at 1:00 PM in the Chapel with Rev. Steve Willingham and Elgin Glendenning officiating. Internment will immediately follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Florien, LA.
Theo, being raised in Sabine Parish, was a country girl at heart. While growing up she met the love of her life Dewitt “Pete” Allen Peterson in the 1940’s. But the start of WWII took them apart, with Dewitt going off to war and Theo going to Ft Worth to work in the aircraft factor as a “Rosie the Riveter.” After the war, they met again and married in 1946 and lived a wonderful life together for 53 years. When they moved to DeRidder with their family, she joined the DeRidder Church of the Nazarene where she was a faithful member for 68 years. Joined by her husband a few years later they worked tirelessly in their service to the Lord. At the church she served as the Secretary and Treasurer for 34 years, as well as serving as a Sunday School Teacher for many years, as well as in any capacity where needed. Theo was a devoted Christian helping many people find the Lord. During her many years on this earth, she loved to visit everyone, especially those in the nursing homes. She would walk every day in the neighborhood for two miles and she was well known for her famous peanut brittle and mayhaw jelly.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters; Connie P. Bowie of DeRidder, LA, Diannah P. Windham and husband Hugh of Newton, TX; daughter by love, Diane Johnson: son by love; John Bowie: grandchildren; James A Bowie and wife Shirley of Hampton, VA, Jody L. Bowie and wife Michelle of Oklahoma City, OK, Maurie T. Mechling of Gladewater, TX, Colby J. Mechling and wife Anissa of Newton, TX, Courtney Mechling Hurst of Timpson, TX and Brooke Mechling Rieger and husband Chris of Sandpoint, ID; twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandsons as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Dewitt “Pete” Peterson and her siblings; Opal Smith, Elton Smith, Sybil Hardin, Joyce Landrum and Nolan Smith as well as her husband’s parents and all of his siblings and their spouses.
The family would also like to thank the staff of Westwood Manor for their caring and comfort to Mrs. Peterson in the last week of her life.
Serving as pallbearers are Skip Hardin, John Bowie, Charlie Jones, Joe Leo, Paul Cooper and Tracy Crouch.
The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her honor to the DeRidder Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, 812 Shirley Street, DeRidder, LA 70634.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Peterson Family at www.labbymemorial.com.
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