Reverend John R. Peterson gained his wings on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the age of 79. Born on November 12, 1943 to mother, the late Lorrice Warner, in Cleveland, OH and raised by the late Roosevelt and Rosa Lee Peterson.

P astor Peterson attended Beehive High School in Twinsburg, OH. On October 24, 1981, he married Senesa Henderson. They celebrated 42 years of marriage, and together, had a son, Joshua. He was a father to Joshua, Mia, Feather, William, John Jr., and Tyrone.

Rev. Peterson pastored in Paulding, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York before he became the Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in February of 1983-following the late Pastor John R. Medley. Recently celebrating 40 years as Pastor of Fellowship Baptist and 59 years in ministry, Rev. Peterson devoted his life to shepherding his congregation and praying fervently for those he knew and loved.

Pastor Peterson enjoyed going out to eat with family, fishing, driving, traveling, including going up to Sandusky to be by the water, but his heart was made for preaching God's word.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, friend to all, and Pastor to many. He is survived by his wife, Senesa Peterson, all of his children; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brothers, Jacob Miller, Carl Miller, and Vecus Miller, as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews, colleagues and friends.

He is also preceded in death by his brother Phillip Miller.

He is united and resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father. Pastor Peterson lived by Philippians 3:13-14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

The family will receive friends from 4-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 901 W. Liberty St., Medina 44256 with a Celebration of his Life to begin at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service led by Rev. Wilson will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 6, at the church followed by a committal service at Spring Grove Cemetery.