Gustie Peterson, age 96, Poplar, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord Friday evening, January 4, 2013, at Erwin Health Care Center.

She was a lifelong resident of Poplar, a daughter of the late Henry H. and Rittie Peterson. Mrs. Peterson was a member of Peterson Chapel Brethren Church in Poplar.

Other than her parents, Mrs. Peterson was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Peterson; her grandson, Danny Earl Peterson; two sisters, Mae Cooper and Frances Byrd; two brothers, Burnie Peterson and Biss Peterson.

She is survived by two sons, Virgil Peterson, Asheville, North Carolina, Jerrell Peterson and Jewel, of the home; two granddaughters, Donna Pitzer, Perry, Georgia, and Darlene Longacre, New Castle, Delaware. Several nieces and nephews, all of who she loved very dearly, also survive.

Funeral service for Mrs. Peterson will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 6, 2013, from the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Tim Hughes and Reverend Eugene Penland will officiate. Special music will be provided by Jamie Howell.

Interment will follow in the Peterson Cemetery in Poplar. Active pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a sincere thanks and appreciation to Erwin Health Care Center staff for the “LOVE” and “CARING” during Mrs. Peterson’s stay there. Words cannot express how she loved each and everyone. A special thank you to Dr. Mark Williams and his nurse, Lorin, and the staff of Johnson City Internal Medicine for the great care given to her over the years.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Peterson family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Ledford Funeral Home and Chapel, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Peterson family. (423) 743-1380.