Jo Ray Peterson
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Jo Ray Peterson, age 89, of Vonore, passed away and entered heaven Friday, January 28, 2022. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, granny, sister, aunt, and a Godly, good, and kind woman. Born in Vonore in 1932, Jo graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a degree in Physical Therapy. Her career as a physical therapist took her from Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville to the frigid air of Alaska and then, with the International Red Cross, to the desert heat of Morocco. In 1962, she married a career Air Force officer, started a family, and traveled the world as a military wife. The couple retired in Vonore. Jo was a proud member of the First Families of Tennessee, the Clan Montgomery Society, and the Madisonville Presbyterian Church. She loved visiting with family and reunions, genealogy, golf (once getting a "hole in one"), watching UT and UW sports on TV, solving word puzzles, taking a drive in the country, and chocolate sundaes. Jo left the world a better place for having been here. Survived by son, Dr. Russell (Laura) Peterson, Nashville; brothers Jim (Rachel) Ray, Madisonville; Ben (Kathy) Ray and sister-in-law Carol Ray, Two Harbors, Minnesota; grandson Jayden Peterson, Nashville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceded in death by husband, Colonel Leonard Peterson; parents, Ben and Nora Evalyn Ray; brothers Frank and Jack Ray; and sisters Betty (Henry) Abrahamzon and Nancy (Nomon) Kennedy. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In Jo's memory, please send donations to the Tipton Cemetery Preservation Association, PO Box 7, Vonore, TN, 37885. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.