Blanche Peterson-James

Quietly, peacefully, Blanche Elizabeth Peterson-James transitioned to rest with our Lord and Savior on July 23, 2025. Her loss has left a wound on our hearts, but she has gifted us with so much more.

Blanche was born on September 6, 1936, to Virgie Butler and Samuel Lyons. Raised in Upper Marlboro, MD, by her grandparents, she spent what she described as an idyllic childhood on the family farm, surrounded by cousins and friends. A child of the depression, she grew up on the values of love of God, family loyalty, thrift, and charity to those in need.

A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, Blanche was on the track and field team and was a member of the choir. She attended what was formerly known as Morgan State College and later Prince George’s Community College. Blanche was a deadly Bid Whist player, avid reader and life-long learner.

She married Joseph Peterson and became a military wife, travelling where he was posted before returning to the Washington, DC, area. In 1967, Blanche joined the Civil Service Commission, beginning a career in government that spanned almost four decades and ending with the United States Department of the Navy in 1995.

She became a member of Largo Community Church 1997, serving in the greeting ministry, and was a faithful member of the Women’s Fellowship. She also contributed to a number of charities including Samaritan’s Purse, Martha’s Table and So Others Might Eat.

After her marriage to Joseph Peterson ended in divorce, she married Myron James, who predeceased her in 2009.

She leaves behind seven children - Jeffrey Peterson (Michelle), Robyn Peterson, Margaret Peterson-James, Joseph T. Peterson (Lisa), Alyce Bell (Dondrake), Robert and George (Le’Jada) James. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, family and dear, life-long friends.

Blanche was a strict disciplinarian with her own children who turned mushy with her grand and great-grand children. She delighted in family births, special occasions, and birthdays (boys got play clothes, girls got party dresses).

Mom leaves her children with a legacy of love, wisdom and strength. While we miss her deeply, we take comfort in the faith she taught us.