Mary Peterson

Mary Shelton Peterson, Esq., age 84, of Decatur, GA, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023. She was hardworking, loving, selfless, and very accomplished.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Karen Peterson and Jan Susan Rivers (Gordy); her beloved grandchildren, Jack McKay and Julia Allen; many cherished nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Jack Roe of Sun River, MT.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Edward Peterson; her father, Hardie Ellington Shelton; her mother, Rosetta McNeil Shelton; her brothers, Virgil Eugene, Homer, Joe, and Bill; and her sister, Pam, who predeceased her by one day.

Mary, then called Mozelle, grew up in North Carolina, on her family's tobacco farm, and attended Yadkinville High School, where she was voted most likely to succeed. She worked her way through Georgia State University while raising a family, and graduated from Emory University law school in 1981. She joined Atlanta Legal Aid to advocate for people of limited resources and was proud of having argued a case before the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Mary's passions included quilting, the New York Times crossword, genealogy, and the history of Scotland.

A private gathering was held to honor Mary's life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Atlanta Legal Aid.

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