Freddie Mae ‘Gipson’ Peterson-Monroe, 89, of Gifford, passed away on April 14, 2014.
She is survived by her children, Gilda Renee (Raymond), and Dale Phyllis (Bobby); six grandchildren, LaNovia Meuse, Carucha Meuse, Carnelius Coleman, Malissa (Jon-Erik) Jones, Raymond Meuse II, and Darius Coleman; two great-grandchildren, Kailyn Summers and Jordyn Jones; sisters, Elizabeth Gipson, and Abedale Battle (Jacob); brothers, Thomas Gipson, and Richard Williams; sisters-in-law, Mildred Gipson, and Rose Gipson; Aunt Edna Champion; close friend Eunice Harvey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 17 years, Ephraim Monroe; son, Darius Dwayne; and siblings, Cephas Gipson, Bertha Williams, Rudolph Gipson, and Wilma Champion.
Peterson-Monroe was born in Smithville, Ga., on Feb. 25, 1925. She was the first child of the late Fred Douglas and Annie Rose Gipson.
She grew up and lived in Gifford, where she began her spiritual journey at the age of 14 as a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church. She was the valedictorian of Gifford High School. With the support of her father, she continued her education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1949.
Peterson-Monroe married Cueller Peterson Jr. in 1949. From that union, her three children were born.
She dedicated her life to the education of others, beginning with her teaching career at Hopewell Elementary in Avon Park, Fla. She returned to Gifford in 1961 after ten years of teaching, where she touched the lives of many children, including her own. She spent several years teaching mentally challenged children in Gifford Middle.
She believed “all children can learn and all can behave, you just have to be willing to give them your time. Some children are just late bloomers.”
A woman of many gifts, Peterson-Monroe was known for her giving spirit and big heart. She enjoyed baking, spending time with family and friends, as well as lending a helping hand whenever she could. She enjoyed being an advocate in her community, a member of Old Glory Eastern Star Chapter 123, FAMC alumni association lifetime member, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, American Legion Auxiliary, Daughter of Elks Lodge in Sebring, Fla., Gifford Cemetary Club and a devoted member of Mount Zion AME Church, where she served as youth director and treasurer of the missionary society for several years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Gifford. A home-going celebration will be held on Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. at the church. She will await the resurrection at Gifford Cemetery.
Out of town arrangements were by Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home in Atlanta, Ga. Local arrangements are entrusted into the care of Thorne’s Mortuary in Stuart.
