Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Howard Petersen, 92, of Lake City, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville, TN. She was born on October 6, 1921 in McAlpin, FL, to the late Francis Marion Howard and Mary Ann Eliza Greene. As a young woman she felt a sense of duty to serve her country in the WWII effort, and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves - Women's Reserve (WAVES). She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who dedicated her time to her family and extended church families at the First Advent Christian Church of Lake City and McAlpin Advent Christian Church. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Walter C. Petersen Sr., her parents, her siblings; Ethel Howard O'Hara, George Willard Howard, Pauline Howard Sanders, Sadie Howard, Francis Marion Howard, Jr., Goff Ives Howard, Verna Howard Coolidge, Hazel Howard Stewart, Marguerette Howard, and Greene Van Buren Howard. Survivors include her son; Walter C. (Angie) Petersen Jr., of Knoxville, TN, grandchildren; Benjamin H. (Annie) Petersen of Sanford, FL, and Eric D. (Beth) Petersen of Knoxville, TN, and great grandchild, Mary Caroline Petersen of Knoxville, TN Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Memorial Cemetery, Lake City, FL, with Pastor Fred Gaylard officiating and Pastor Tom Amerson assisting. Visitation with the family and friends will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial donations be made in her honor, to the . Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. U.S. Hwy 441, Lake City, FL, 32025. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of love and comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com