Jennifer “Gaye” Peterson, age 62, of Jacksboro passed away peacefully on Thursday November 17th surrounded by her children. She was a member of Mt. Paran Baptist Church and employed at PCM in Oak Ridge and previously served as office manager at Cross-Smith Funeral Home for several years. Preceded in death by Father Paul Peterson

Although born Jennifer Gaye Peterson she was rarely called Jennifer. If you knew her you called her Gaye, If you met her, you loved her. She had a warm smile and kind words for everyone she met. Gaye was many things to many different people; first and foremost she was a Child of God, a servant through and through. She served the Lord faithfully for years and allowed His love and kindness to shine through her life. No matter what she faced throughout her walk she trusted in the Lord. Secondly, she was a Mother, she was a fierce protector and steadfast supporter of her children. She would often say “my life is my kids”. She lived for her family and devoted her time, her efforts, her very life to Corey, Brent and Emily. Thirdly, Gaye was a GiGi. Gigi was known to make the best hot chocolate and pop the most buttery popcorn. She was always ready for a movie night and snuggled up in warm blankets with her favorite little people. She encouraged their imaginations and was a wonderful playmate. She was a loyal and loving daughter and never hesitated to help her parents when she could. She was a sister, an aunt, a niece, a cousin, a granddaughter and a friend. Gaye held a special place in many hearts, but to those of us that loved her most, she was a comforting presence, a loving hug, a gift from Santa on Christmas, a warm mug of apple cider, the lover of fuzzy socks, a phone call just to say I love you, an encourager, a lover of naps, a straight shooter, a smile after a hard day, a chicken casserole queen, a joke listener, a barbie player, a coloring partner, a movie snuggler, a popcorn popper… Gaye will be missed but she wouldn’t want us to think of her and be sad; she would want us to see a Cardinal bird out the window and think of her, or pick a bouquet of daisies and think about the fun we had, to step in the sunshine and smile as we remember. So, Sunday when you go to church and sing Amazing Grace lift your voice in praise to our precious Savior and in that moment think of Gaye and how she is sitting at Jesus’ feet healed, whole and laughing.

She is survived by: Son Corey Carroll and wife Autumn, Son Brent Carroll and Daughter Emily Carroll,

Grandchildren: Canaan Carroll and Chloe Jane Carroll,

Mother Wilma Jean Peterson

Brother Randy Peterson and wife Tina

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives

Family will receive friends 12 Noon to 2 PM Saturday. November 19th at Cross-Smith Funeral Home with service to follow at 2 PM, her son Rev. Corey Peterson and Rev. Ron Williams officiating. Interment following at Jacksboro Cemetery with Rev. J.J. Patterson officiating.

Condolences may be given online at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home