Rosa Lee Badger Peterson

Rosa Lee Badger Peterson was born on September 19, 1943, in Tallahassee, Florida, to the late James Badger and Jessie Dixon. She attended the public schools of Leon and Decatur Counties and proudly graduated from Hutto High in Bainbridge, Georgia, in 1960.

At an early age, Rosa accepted THE LORD JESUS CHRIST as her personal SAVIOR. She remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life, devoting herself to reading the Word of GOD, tithing faithfully, giving generously to numerous charities, and worshiping in the sanctuary with fellow believers. Her passion for GOD and HIS work was evident in the way she talked about HIM.

On September 6, 1963, Rosa married her true love, the late Mr. Willie Ray Peterson. Their union was blessed with seven children, including their beloved son, Little Ray Peterson Jr., who preceded her in death at the tender age of six weeks old. Together, Rosa and Ray worked tirelessly to provide a loving home and better opportunities for their family.

In the early years of their marriage, the Petersons moved north to Newark, New Jersey, where they established roots and raised their children. In 2001, Rosa and Ray returned to the place they cherished most—Bainbridge, Georgia. Following the passing of her beloved husband whom she lovingly called “Ray”, Rosa chose to relocate closer to her children, moving back to New Jersey in 2015. She remained there, surrounded by her family, until she peacefully went Home to be with THE LORD on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Affectionately known as “Rose”, “Momma Rose”, or simply “Ma”, Rosa’s love and influence touched the lives of many. She leaves to cherish her memory four devoted daughters: Vannessa “Pogie” Peterson of Union, NJ, Charlotte Ragene Peterson of Columbia, SC, Levitta Mallette (Gregory) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Bonita Peterson-Gilliard (Reggie) of Maplewood, NJ; and two devoted sons, Maury Peterson of Maplewood, NJ, and Maurice Peterson of East Orange, NJ.

She is also survived by six loving sisters who adored her: Bobbie Mumphery (Willie) of Albany, GA, Betty Florence of Bainbridge, GA, Jessie Dixon Lawton of Albany, GA, Birdie Dixon Mapp, Margaret Dixon, and Yolanda Devon Dixon, all of Bainbridge, GA; one devoted sister-in-Law, Catherine Grant (Eugene) of Bainbridge, GA; one aunt, Vera Harris of Mount Dora, Fl; one cousin who was like her brother, Leroy Williams (Joyce) of Bainbridge, GA; and her lifelong friend, Dorothy Burroughs of Henderson, NC.

Her legacy continues through ten cherished grandchildren: Kareem Jamaar Ali Brown, Shequana Brown (Jihad), Laquana Aldridge (Ash), Sharaey Morrison, Kenneth Graves, Sharnere Graves, Reggie Gilliard Jr., Nyasia Smith, Corey Gilliard, and Jayla Sharaey Peterson; as well as ten precious great grandchildren.

Rosa’s life was one of faith, love, and devotion—to her family, her community, and above all, to GOD. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.