Celebrating the Life, Legacy & Spirit of Mamie Peterson Thomas, July 10, 1920- March 23, 2015

CELEBRATING THE LIFE, LEGACY & SPIRIT OF
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REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF
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The youngest of six childten, Mamie Peterson Thomas was born to the late Reverend Henry Peterson and the late Emma Waller in Greenwood, South Carolina on July 10, 1920. She peacefully transitioned on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
She grew up in Greenwood with her siblings Thomas Peterson, Birdie P. Sanders, Adele P. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;o;;;;;,;;;;;;;;o;;;;;,;;;;;;;;;oo;;;;;;;;;~jiiiiiiiiii Walker, Sineta P. Chaney and Harold Peterson. Along with them, she attended Greenwood Public Schools.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1940 from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In her twenties, she moved to Atlanta to attend Atlanta University, where she obtained a Master of Social Work. Later, she worked as an educator, first as a teacher and then as a guidance counselor, at the Atlanta Public School System until her retirement.
It was while she was a student at Atlanta University that she met Attorney Roscoe Edwin Thomas. They were married in 1946 and enjoyed
............ a long, happy marriage until his death in 1996. He often referred to her as his "child bride." Among their many interests, Mamie and Edwin enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, London, the Mediterranean, England, Canada, Mexico, Germany, London and the Caribbean and were diehard fans of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons.
Edwin and Mamie were devoted to their nieces and grand-nieces. They were the "cool" aunt and uncle and often hosted a "runaway" teen at their home. The couple was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, supporting student activists with housing, meals and financial support.

Throughout her life, Mamie remained warm, friendly, gracious, down to earth and had a knack for tempering her no-nonsense straight talk with kindness.
A lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, she was active in the community and served on the boards of the Gate City Day Nursery and the Adanta Public Library. She was an alumna member of The Adanta Chapter of the Links, Incorporated and was a member of the BIMS, Les Amis, the Circleletes, the Inquirers Club, Junior Matrons, an Archousa of Kappa Boule, Sigma Phi Pi Fraternity and a founding member of the Gate City Barristers Wives.
She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and attended many HammondPeterson Family Reunions that were held in different cities and states throughout the USA. Her lifelong best friend was her cousin, Melzetta Laws, who was often her travel buddy.
She is survived by numerous family members, including Peterson rueces and nephews: Irene Kelley (Gerald); Alexis ''Jackie" Bolden (Charles); Joan Davis, (Freddie); Robinnette Chaney Banjo (Ayo); grand nephews and nieces: Fernando Sanders; Henry Sanders; Christopher Kelley (Selina); Alex LaMar Davis Oamil); Anthony Che Bolden (Penelope); Brian I<elley; Kevin Davis (Rafella); Robert Walker; Debranda Giles; Dr. Kelly M. Bolden; Harold Irvin Peterson; Shawn Peterson (Sy Smith) and Bolo Banjo; niece Yvonne Jackson Wiltz; grandnieces: Teresa Hudson (Rollie); Phyllis Bell (William); Yvette Cobb (Isaac), Erica Smith; great grandnieces and great grand nephews; and devoted cousins Edith Hammond; Thomas (fommy) Sampson Oackie); Thomas ''Woody" Sampson III (Sholah); and Alia Brown Oulian) and a host of other relatives and friends.

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aturday, April 11, 2015 2:00 P.~l. Smrth \ iew Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Road Atlanta Georgia 30315 Pastor Emmanuel McCall, Officiating
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(How Great Thou Art" Mr. Joseph Jennings, Saxophone
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Friendship "Baptist Church
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Psalm 23:1-6 Mrs. Irene Walker Kelley, Niece
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Mr. Shawn Carter Peterson, Nephew
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"Ama;dng Grace" Mr. Joseph Jennings, Saxophone
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Pastor Emmanuel McCall
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''Going Up Yonder"
Mr. Joseph Jennings, Saxophone
Repaitfollowing the interment in the Parlor at Mttrrqy Brotbers.

The family of Mamie Peterson Thomas expresses sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness shown during her illness and their bereavement.
Your visits, telephone calls, cards, flowers, gifts and other expressions of love are truly appreciated. May God bless and keep each of you always.
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Reverend Emmanuel McCall, Friendship Baptist Church Deacon Board and Members of Friendship Baptist Church
Ms. Yvonne Torrence Staff at Budd Terrace at Wesley Woods and Brighton Gardens
Mr. Joseph Jennings
Services f:ntrusted To: Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
1199 Utoy Springs Road Adanta, Georgia 404.349 .3000
Darryl . !len's PJ ,US 404.755.0965