Sharon Juanita Peterson-Jackson

OBITUARY

SHARON JUANITA PETERSON-JACKSON

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Sharon Juanita Peterson-Jackson, a devoted mother, cherished sister, and beloved family member. Sharon was born on September 17, 1950, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Preston and Mary Louise Peterson. She was the third child in a family of seven children. Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Blake; her father, Preston Peterson, Sr.; her stepfather, Samuel Blake; her older brother, William Peterson; her niece Melissa Blake and both of her husbands, George “Ronnie” Fowlkes and Bobby Jackson.

Sharon’s life was rooted in faith, family, compassion, and joy. Raised in a deeply religious home, she attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and Summer Bible Camp as a child, where she participated in the “Sunshine Band,” singing songs such as “This Little Light of Mine” and “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” With a grandfather who served as a Baptist minister and grandmother who was a devoted Mother of the Church, Sharon embraced Christ and was baptized at an early age and remained a faithful Christian throughout her life.

A devoted member of Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church, Sharon faithfully served in the Nurse’s and Missionary Ministries, and as a dedicated church member. She also worshipped and fellowshipped previously at Second Baptist Church, Ypsilanti and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sharon graduated from the Ann Arbor Public Schools system and pursued her lifelong dream of entering the fashion industry by attending and graduating from the Barbizon School of Modeling. She had a passion for reading and enjoyed following the lives of celebrities in the movie and music industries throughout her life.

Sharon dedicated 43 years of service to Ford Motor Company, where she earned specialized computer training certifications and numerous awards recognizing her excellence as an employee. Even after retirement, Sharon continued serving her community by working part-time as a lunch monitor at Logan Elementary School in Ann Arbor. She also worked at Helping Seniors and volunteered at Arbor Hospice, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Known for her adventurous spirit and glowing personality, Sharon loved concerts, travel, and creating happy memories. She was an active member and Vice Queen of the K.I.S.S. Red Hat Society Chapter, where she enjoyed luncheons, concerts, travel, and fellowship with women committed to friendship and support.

One of Sharon’s proudest commitments was her unwavering devotion to the annual Tooson Family Reunion. She attended all 53 reunions held across the United States, including the most recent gathering in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2025. The reunion tradition began in Ypsilanti in 1972 under the leadership of her mother, Mary Louise Blake, and Sharon proudly carried that legacy forward by sponsoring and hosting several reunions over the years.

Above all else, Sharon cherished her family — especially her beloved grandchildren David and Abigail. She treasured every opportunity to visit them in Panama City, Florida and stayed closely connected through phone calls, the internet, and FaceTime. They were truly her pride and joy, and she devoted endless love, time, and encouragement to their lives.

Sharon will forever be remembered as the family matriarch and a mother figure to many. Her kindness, generosity, youthful spirit, wisdom, beautiful smile, captivating storytelling, and genuine love for people touched countless lives. She treasured every moment spent with family and friends and was always ready to celebrate life with joy and laughter.

Sharon earned her wings on Sunday, May 3, 2026, but her spirit and legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Derrick Fowlkes (Clara) of Panama City; her daughter, Carmen Fowlkes of Ann Arbor; her beloved grandchildren, David and Abigail of Panama City; five siblings, four brothers: Preston Peterson Jr. (Linda) of West Bloomfield, Ronnie Peterson (Gloria) of Ypsilanti, Michael Peterson of Van Buren Township, Jeffrey Blake of Ypsilanti; and one sister, Karen Blake of Ann Arbor. She also leaves behind a host of treasured nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In this time of sorrow, the family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who offered prayers, love, support, and kindness throughout Sharon’s journey. Her life was a shining example of faith, compassion, strength, and unconditional love. May we continue to honor her memory by caring for one another as she so beautifully did throughout her life.

We wish to especially acknowledge her daughter Carmen, her brother Ronnie, her sister Karen, and her nieces Angela and Danielle for the loving support and care they provided during her extended illness. The family is eternally grateful for your love and sacrifices.

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