Willa Dean Peterson

Willa Dean Hill Peterson of Gulfport, went to be with her heavenly Father Thursday, June 26, 2008. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Long Beach, and a coast resident for for 50 years. She attended Iuka High School and graduated in 1952. She and her youngest daughter attended and graduated with associates degrees at Jefferson Davis Junior College in 1983. She graduated with special honors. Willa had served as Worthy.Matron of Adah Chapter # 49 Order Eastern Star, Ocean Springs; president of Past Matrons Club; president of Bethel Lutheran Church; president of Magnolia Branch 8259 Lutheran Brotherhood; president of Gulf Coast Decorative Artists; was a licensed scuba diver and Advance Amateur Radio operator WB5VCR. Mrs. Peterson's love was chairing and co-chairing fund raisers for the less fortunate. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Robert and Dimple Nunley Hill; a sister, Frances Whyte; and brother, James Hill. Mrs. Peterson is survived by her loving husband and soul mate, Mason "Pete" Peterson of Gulfport; a son, Gary Lee Whittemore and wife, Jeannie of McComb; two daughters, Deborah Ann Raymond and husband, Jimmy and Mary Ellen West and husband, Don, all of Biloxi; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and three sisters, Nora Severns of D'Iberville, Jessie Daugherty of Phil Campbell, AL; and Johnnie Oakes of Ocean Springs. The service will be Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach, where friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until the service. The graveside service will be Monday, June 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 321 Hwy 51, Ridgeland, MS 39157,or to Harrison County Children's Shelter, C/O Harrison Co. Youth Court, P.O. Box 7017, Gulfport, MS 39506. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com