Terry Peterson

Terry Lee Peterson passed away in the comfort of her own home with her family on September 1st, 2011. She was 57.
Terry's primary concern in life was being a good mother to her children, Shawna Smith and Kenneth Johnson, along with anyone else that came in her way. Up until the time she passed, everyone referred to her as "Mama", even her brother and nephew. She gave comfort and love to anyone that needed it, as well as a place to stay for the evening or maybe a dinner and a good laugh.
Terry had many loves in her life, but one of the most important things to her was music. She was always listening to the radio, playing instruments when they were available, karaoke in her younger days, and more recently her headphones. It was something that she loved almost as much as her family.
She was also a very big supporter of St. Jude's children's hospital, donating whatever she could because her heart went out to the families and children affected with cancer. One of her final wishes was for her daughter to braid and cut her hair to have it donated to Locks of Love, her hair being one of her most important assets.
Terry was also very fond of nature and animals; she frequently watched thunderstorms and even against her own safety went outside to enjoy them. Her favorite companion Vicious was always by her side even then. Vicious has been her little companion and friend since 2002, when she was given to Terry and Shawna as a gift. Though she's small in size, she has a big heart for a Chihuahua and stuck by Terry during her final nights at home.
Terry was preceded in death by her mother, Patti Jean Anderson, her sister, Diana Lynn Sisson, brother, Dennis Sisson, and father, Fred Sisson. She is survived by her loving relatives and extended and adopted family that includes: Robert Appling, partner; Shawna Smith, daughter; Steve Sisson, brother; Jeff Sisson, nephew; Casey Zechel, niece; Jeffrey Sisson, great-nephew; McKenzie Lynn Sisson, great-niece; Kenneth Johnson, son; Brian Anderson, brother; Larry Cook, cousin; Stephanie Shopteese, niece; Zaya Shopteese, nephew. Her "adopted" children include: Beth Quall, Nathan Smith, DJ Hays, James Moore, Jon Auman, and Annie Burke.
Terry would be happy to know all of her family and friends were united, and would love for everyone to come and visit the home for her memorial service, which will be held at the family's home in Topeka on Wednesday, September 7th from 1pm through the evening so that people may come in and out to celebrate her life and eat a good meal.
Any monetary donations may be made on her behalf to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to the family.
"Mama, I'm coming home."