Betty Sue Russell Peters

Betty Sue Russell Peters, born October 3, 1940, went to her eternal home May 23, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving family. Betty was 79 years of age.

Betty was born in Maryville, TN, graduated from Everett High School in 1958, and attended Knoxville Business College. Betty worked at Sinclair Oil Company in Atlanta, GA, before being married May 7, 1960 to her high school sweetheart, Robert Joseph Peters, also of Maryville, TN.

Betty lived in Fort Monmouth, NJ, while her husband was serving in the US Army and in Waynesboro, VA, where she worked as an accounting clerk while her husband worked for DuPont. Betty and Joe remained actively connected to the friends they made throughout their lives.

Betty achieved what she considered her highest honor in 1967 when she became a mother. Betty was the mother to three children: a daughter Jenni, a son Rob and another daughter Julie. Betty loved being a mother and served everywhere her children were involved.

Betty was active in all the churches where she was a member throughout her life. Betty trusted in Jesus as her Savior at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville, TN, and was baptized in the Little Tennessee River at age ten. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Waynesboro, VA, where she held many leadership positions. She was a member of White Oak Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN, and since 1971 she has been an active member of First Baptist Church, Cleveland, TN. Betty regularly served others through her church by working with children, students and the music ministry. She also was known for being a gracious hostess that welcomed her church family, her children’s friends, and all needing a place to find rest and encouragement.

Betty traveled extensively with her husband in their retirement and traveled to visit with and attend many of her grandchildren’s school and sporting events. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on May 7, 2020.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Grace Russell, and one of her sisters, Mary McReynolds. Betty is survived by her husband, Joe Peters; her daughter Jenni (Blaine) Brint; her son Rob (Wendy) Peters; and her daughter Julie (Lee) Lannom. She also was proud to be called Grammy by 8 grandchildren: Sophie (22) and Mason Brint (19); Anna Grace (18), John (14), and Liam Peters (8); and Camron (18), Liz (15), and Cason Lannom (13). She is also survived by two brothers Harold Russell, his wife Virginia, (Valdosta, GA) and Ralph Russell, his wife Maria, (Bakersfield, CA); and one sister Kay Tucker and her husband Doug (Ooltewah, TN), Ralph McReynolds, brother-in-law (Oak Ridge, TN) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, with Dr. Gene Mims officiating. Music will be presented by MaryBeth Wickes, Sophie Brint and Camron Lannom. Interment will be held at Big Spring Presbyterian Church and Cemetery in Friendsville, TN. Pallbearers will be: Blaine Brint, Lee Lannom, Mason Brint, John Peters, Liam Peters, Camron Lannom, Cason Lannom, and Chris Tucker and Brian Tucker.

The Worship Center will open at 10:00 am where the family will be present and the funeral will begin at 11:00 am. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund of First Baptist Church, 1275 Stuart Road NE, Cleveland, TN 37312.

Due to local, state, and federal regulations concerning COVID 19, all guests are required to practice social distancing of 6 feet apart while in the building, unless you are members of the same family. Please wear face coverings as appropriate.