(joe saw yougetting tired, and rest was meant to 6e,
So lie put !}{is arms aroundyou and
wfiisperetf, 'tome to !Me.
'Witfi tearful eyes we watcfietf you, anti saw you pass away.
YL{tfiougfi we fovetf you tfearfy, we cou{tf not makg, you stay.
.9Lgoftfen lieart stopped 6eating, anti tender fiantfs now rest,
(joe 6rokg, our liearts to prove to usJ !}{e on[y takg,s tfie 6est.

.!Jlc~now[edgments
Please accept our sincere thanks for the many prayers, courtesies, and expressions of sympathy extended to us during our bereavement. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be appreciated.
FGTV Shaunya Chavis-Rucker, Director
FGTV Staff
Fulton County Parks and Recreation Stan Motley, Director
Peterson School of Tennis Parents, Students and Coaches
Fountain of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Reverend Reginald B. Newman 6712 West Fayetteville Road Riverdale, GA 30296 770.997.0079
Christians for Change Baptist Church Reverend Michael Wayne Baldwin 211 0 Bethsaida Road Riverdale, GA 30296-1741 770.991.7080
Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. Jonesboro, GA 30236

Ce{ebration of Life Services !For
'Ernest Peterson
tJJecemoer 1, 1944- !lLpril 10, 2010
Satiirtiay, !lLpril 14 2010 1:00 p.m.
!fountain of![aitfi Missionary tJJaptist Cfiurcfi - Service 1\_everenti 1\_eginalti tJJ. 9{ewman, Presiding
Cfiristians for Cfiange tJJaptist Cfiurcfi - ![el{owsfiip 1\_everenti Micfiael Wayne tJJa{tiwin, Officiating

Ernie Peterson was born December 1st, 1944 in Century, Florida .He was a loving father, husband , brother, mentor and teacher. He had many names such as "Gentle Giant", "Godfather", "Hero", and "Coa ch P" , but most called him "Dad". Standing at 6'3, he was hard to forget. He had an infectious laugh , a big smile, and a vo ice that carried like th under, but he will be most remem bered for his passion to help others achieve their dreams.
Nearly 30 years ago, Coach Peterson began coaching tennis in the Atlanta area and developed a program called Peterson School of Tennis. This program has provided tennis and education for thousands across the nation . His success can be attributed to his unique coaching style-- a drill sergeant attitude mixed with love. This combination allowed him to create champions. Several of his students played on the professional tour and competed in championships including the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. Many of his students have received athletic scholarships to schools including the University of Southern California, Northwestern, Temple, and FAMU. He also coached the first African-American woman to play at the University of Georgia . He wanted each student to go college and he encouraged them to use tenn is as a vehicle. As a result, his students are successful citizens in areas of government, law, technology, and entrepreneurship.
For his outstanding contributions to tennis, Coach Peterson was selected by the USA Olympic Committee as the 2003 Developmental Coach of the Year. He also received several state and national awards as well. Coach Peterson and his students have been featured on Channel 5, 11 Alive, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Delta In-Flight programming.
Coach Peterson was also a man of fa ith. He loved to pray with his family and read the Word.

He wrote sermons about love, adversity and hope. He often shared them with family, friends , and students. He loved gospel music by artists Mahalia Jackson and the Staples Singers.
Coach Peterson also loved to garden. He called himself a "Master Gardener" and loved giving planting tips to neighbors. He enjoyed supplying the community with flowers , tomatoes , greens, squash , cabbage , lettuce, eggplant and watermelon .
Coach Peterson 's greatest love was his family. He loved spendi ng ti me with his devoted wife, Jean, and his childre n. He often held family discussions on finance, business management, health and faith. Coach always encouraged his children to go to college and become entrepreneurs. Years ago, he began writing a journal about choices for his children and future generations. The journal consists of quotes li ke "always do business not emotions" and "make sure you give quality work". He enjoyed dining-out, exercising and watching the Lakers with his family. He also loved family road trips to Hilton Head and Pensacola.
Coach Peterson also enjoyed spending time with his relatives and classmates. He loved being in charge of reunions and enjoyed the food and games. He fell in love with e-mail and made sure that each relative received an encouraging word each week.
Ernie Peterson loved motivating others to be the best and never give up on life. He has entrusted his daughter, Jewel, to carry on his legacy by continuing to "change lives--one ball at a time."
He leaves to cherish his life his wife , Jean Peterson, and children Jewel and Monifa Peterson, and Mike Hale (Belinda) ,his brothers Lawrence (Jeanette) and Jon Peterson (Gina), and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives .

Order of Service
Reverend Reginald B. Newman, Presiding Pastor Michael Wayne Baldwin, Officiating
Processional .... ......... ...... ........ ......... Phifer Family
Selection ......................................... Phifer Family
Old Testament, Joel 2:28-29 ........ Brenton James Jarryd Jackson
Jermaine Jen ki ns
New Testament, John 14:27 ....... .Jamea Jackson Natalie Frazier Jordan Batey
Prayer .... ..... ............. .......... Bishop Wayne Smiley
Memorial Tribute .......................................... Video
Family Tribute ................... .Pastor Jerome Smiley
A Friend's Tribute .... ............ .. .. ...... .. Jerome Dean
Remarks (Limit to 1 minute please)
Selection .. .... .......... ...... .... .. ..... ...... ... Phifer Family
Eulogy.............. .. ..... Rev. Michael Wayne Baldwin
Selection .. .. .. ........ .. .... .... ........ ... .... ... Phifer Family
Acknowledgements
Appreciation ........ ........ ... ..... .... ..... Jewel Peterson Monifa Peterson Mike Hale
Benediction ................ .. . Rev. Michael W. Baldwin
Recessional