Albert Baxter Peterson

Albert Baxter “Pete” Peterson peacefully departed this life on February 13, 2018. He was born on May 25, 1923, to Zack and Emma Peterson of Marion, South Carolina. At a young age, he relocated with his family to Richmond, Virginia where he attended Richmond Public Schools. He joined the United States Army Air Corp after high school and became an airplane mechanic in Tuskegee Alabama. Always a diligent worker following his years of service in the military he was employed by McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital. He retired as a Laboratory Technician after 30 years of dedicated service. In 1943, he met and married Gaynelle Shepperson. Their 65 years marriage remained until her passing in 2009. To this union two daughters were born, Vivian Alberta and Joyce Ann. As an adult he was baptized and became a member of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Somewhat of a Renaissance Man, during his lifetime. He wore many hats. He was the owner and operator of Wood Street Market and later 35th Street Market. He was the first black member of the Richfood Food Distribution Center. He was a Licensed Real Estate Agent with the brokerage firm of W. E. Robinson Real Estate Company. As a very civic and community minded man he organized voting precinct #67, (now known as District 7) in the East End of Richmond. He also assisted in organizing the Richmond Crusade for Voters. Pete was also a member of and active participant in the East End Civic League where his leadership was recognized and awarded. Kind and good-natured, his welcoming demeanor and quite assertiveness made him greatly respected. He was knowledgeable and always willing to have an in-depth conversation. He was an attentive listener as well as a skilled debater. He played and taught chess to others thereby influencing and encouraging others to be thinkers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gaynelle Shepperson Peterson; daughter, Vivian Peterson Hunt and a great grandson, Taylor “TJ” Johnson. He is survived by his beloved daughter and long-time caregiver, Joyce Peterson Libron; two grandchildren, Douglas Anthony Hunt and Shana Gayle Hunt-Johnson (Bill); two great-grandchildren, Tatum Hunter Johnson and Skylar Vivian Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends. In his almost 95 years, Albert “Pete” Peterson made and indelible mark on all of those he encountered. He will be greatly missed. One good man can make a difference. He can set an example that others want to follow in the way he leads, the way he loves, the way he lives. The encouraging words he speaks can turn doubt and worry into confidence and courage And he can change a life just by being part of it.

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Albert Baxter Peterson

May 25, 1919 - February 13, 2018