FRANCES MILDRED PETERSON was born in Dyersburg, TN on July 4, 1928, to the Union of Prince Thompson and Melissa Walker-Thompson. She was one of four children. Three girls and one boy. Both parents and all of her siblings preceded her in death. Frances confessed her love for Christ at an early age. She was educated in the Dyersburg Public School District. Later in life she moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she continued her education. In 1952, she graduated with honors from The Ruth Flowers School of Beauty Culture, St. Louis, MO where she earned a Diploma in Body Massage and went on to work as a licensed therapist and beautician. She also worked at the United State Government Record Center, on Page Blvd. Frances earned several Course Cards, Certificates and Diplomas in Christian Education from the Progressive National Baptist Convention Board of Education and Publication. She received numerous awards and plaques for her outstanding teaching and training of others in the area of Christian Education, Church Ethics and Parliamentary Procedures. She was often called upon to organize and to help structure Baptist Training Union in churches across this country. She was always well prepared to teach on the subject at hand. She taught in churches in this city, across this country, on the district, state and national level of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Frances has served in many capacities in the Missouri Progressive Missionary State Convention: the first woman to serve as the Executive Secretary, Recording and Corresponding Secretary of the Congress of Christian Education. She served as Instructor, State Dean for seven years. It was her responsibility to ensure that all Schools and Instructors were certified through the Progressive National Baptist Convention Education and Publication Board. She served as Secretary of the Youth Encampment at Western Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri and Parliamentarian for the Women Department. She was instrumental in heading the SLATE Program for young people employment during the summer throughout the city. Frances united with the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Solomon Wilson. She was one of two of the longest living members of the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church... having been a member for more than sixty-five years. Working and serving in Mt. Nebo was her love, commitment and passion. Just to mention the name Mt. Nebo brought a smile to her face and joy in her heart. She served faithfully until her health begin to fail. She had great love for her pastor the Reverend Dwight Davis, First Lady and her church family. Over the many years of service, Frances served and held numerous positions in the church. Just to name a few: Church Clerk, Member of the Inspiration Choir, Trustee, Sunday School, Teacher, BTU Instructor, and Teacher of the Ethic Class for New Membership, Director General of BTU and Chairman of the BTU King and Queen Coronation. Frances has held positions on the District, State and National level of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. She served as Dean of Congress of Christian Education for the St. Louis Progressive District Association. A few years ago the St. Louis Progressive District Association honored her by electing her as "Dean Emeritus". She loved traveling and attending conventions... she traveled the length and the breath of these United States... whether by car, bus, train or airplane she would get there. When she stepped into the convention hall one could not help but to take notice that she was wearing beautiful bright colors of the latest fashion, suit, shoes, bag, hat and decorated cane all matching. Whenever she entered a contest be it for the best dressed or the most amount of money raised, she entered to win and most of the time she would... thus earning her the title "The Queen" a title she cherished and adored. To know Frances was to love her. Surely she was firm but yet kind and generous. On May 25, 1980, Frances was united in Holy Matrimony to Charles Peterson, Jr., he preceded her in death. There were no children born to this union. At some point during the life of Charles, he said to Frances "If you out live me and ever need help... ask Dr. E.G. Shields, Sr., I believe he will help." Charles died April 26, 2000. In April of 2008, eight years after Charles' death, she called Dr. Shields over for a long in-depth conversation where she asked him to serve as her Power of Attorney. Among the many things that were discussed such as the forty years relationship between the Peterson and Shields' family, she asked Dr. Shields to agree and promise that she would live her last days at home and go on to glory from there. With her many visits to hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes it seems doubtful that such commitment could be honored. However, on October 20, 2011 while in The Pillars of the North County Nursing Home, she said to Dr. Shields..."I am ready to go home take me to Glade Ave." How happy she was to get back home and to have family and friends come to visit. She entertained visitors and talked with others by phone in her usual and jubilant way up until the last week of her life. Frances departed this life at her home on Wednesday, November 23, 2011. She leaves to cherish her precious memories and joyous times: One step-daughter, Jennifer Peterson; one step-son, Carl Peterson; two step-grandsons, Lamine Gueye and Waun Davis II all of St. Louis, MO; a niece, Diane Davis of St. Louis, MO; a great-grand niece, Lesia Graham of Toledo, OH; three god-daughters, Michelle Williams, Naomi Roach and Glenda Carson all of St. Louis, MO...a long time family friend and (POA) Reverend Dr. E.G. Shields, Sr., and a host of other family members and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Frances Peterson. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please