Edna Earle Peterson, 89 , of Bessemer went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 20, 2022. Edna was born on February 3, 1932 in Bessemer, Alabama. She was the younger of two children of Boyce and Beatrice Patton. Edna was four years old when the family moved to the Greenwood community, where she resided most of her life.  Edna was a graduate of McAdory High School where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Peterson. Edna and Jimmy were married for 67 years. Edna and Jimmy adopted and raised one daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Slay. Edna was a homemaker, worked in retail sales, and later was employed as a bank teller, retiring from AmSouth Bank. She was a long time member of Morgan United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death by her parents, Boyce and Beatrice Patton; a brother, James Patton; and husband, Jimmy Peterson, Edna is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Slay (Mark); grandchildren, Mark Slay, Marley Slay, and Sarah Slay (John Moore); sisters-in-law, Dorothy Patton and Yolanda Peterson; a cousin Eloise Graham; numerous nieces and nephews, and friends.  Edna was a gentle, sweet-spirited woman,  who exemplified her faith, and had tremendous love for her family and friends.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Self Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Comfort Care Hospice, and Dr. Barry Rayburn who provided loving care to Edna during the last few months of her life. The family would also like to thank members of Edna's church family for their prayers, cards, and visits that served to comfort and encourage her, and enriched her life. Special thanks to Lois Howard for always being such a dear friend to our Edna, and neighbors who selflessly helped to ensure Edna and Jimmy could age in place in their home.

Funeral services will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM with visitation immediately prior at 10:00 AM.  Interment will be at Valhalla Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morgan United Methodist Church, Bessemer, Alabama, or a charity of choice.